The rapid growth of the middle class in the developing world is widely seen as one of the most promising demographic developments in the 21st century. In emerging markets in China, India and increasingly in Africa, millions have been lifted out of poverty and boosted the middle class now driving markets through its capacity to consume and its historic role as an agent of change. However, the middle class has a darker side to it. In several developing countries, middle class individuals are agents of radicalization, everywhere tolerating, supporting, or engaging in radical politics, including terrorism. Policy makers and analysts, steeped in the conventional wisdom in liberal theory that touts the middle class as the custodian of liberal values, have ignored or discounted this darker side. With the recent shift away from military approaches to counter terrorism, policy makers are inferring a causal link between poverty, development and the rise of violent extremism especially in weak states. They are proffering development and market solutions—creation of jobs and reduction of inequalities—as effective antidotes to the exponential spread of extremism. Grievances and disaffection relating to economic and social marginalization, inequalities and poverty have, undoubtedly created fertile grounds for violent extremism to thrive, but policy makers need to focus attention on the role of the middle-class in radicalizing, planning and executing terrorist activities across the world.