Because “radical Islamist violence” is diversifying and becoming increasingly creative and unpredictable, there is a strong need to develop new approaches for understanding this phenomenon. This article attempts to define jihadists as liminal beings. It argues for the need to put forward some of the symbolic and performative aspects of jihadists from the perspective of liminal theory. Liminal theory is important to understanding the indeterminate and transnational nature of jihadism. To define jihadists as liminal beings is to say they are beings who seek to re-enchant the world via their symbolic and performative features. They strategically position themselves as ambiguous not only as a distinguishing device, but also to enhance their belief of a cosmic war on earth. The increasingly liminal nature of jihadists means that a number of them will continue to elude counterterrorist operations. It is agreed that the absence of central command structures, not only make jihadists more lethal, but also diminishes any previous inhibitions from inflicting widespread casualties. 82 Notes