Why does jihadism exert such a strong fascination on young people in the Western world? Jürgen Manemann explores the causes of this attraction by focusing on the cultural crises of Western societies: feelings of emptiness, meaninglessness, and hopelessness, along with their consequences in the form of resignation, resentment, and cynicism. Jihadism presents itself as a therapy against these social pathologies. However, it exacerbates the crisis by reinforcing the inability to affirm life. As an active nihilism, it produces a lack of empathy, hatred, and blind violence. Western societies must develop counterforces by pursuing a consistent policy of recognition and sensitivity to suffering, thereby strengthening the sense of a culture of humanity once again.