The dissertation examines the underlying motivation of the Islamic State (ISIS) by explaining how its history and ideology have led to seemingly contradictory activities, from rational infiltration and expansion strategies to seemingly irrational provocations such as terrorist attacks. These contradictions have raised the question: Is the group's ultimate goal of a worldly kind (the establishment and defense of a caliphate) or of a religious kind (fulfilling apocalyptic prophecies).
The author has extensively analysed the group's publications, such as the monthly magazine Dabiq, as well as a broad range of primary and secondary sources to derive conclusions on its inspiration, underlying character and goals. The literature review gives a comprehensive summary of academic and journalistic assessments towards the motivations of ISIS.
The dissertation is of particular use to any author seeking to understand the motivations of Islamist groups, contents and tactics of Islamist propaganda and the history of the Islamic State.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Chapter 1: How fanaticism almost destroyed IS
- Chapter 2: How strategic behaviour facilitated the erection of the Caliphate
- Chapter 3: Apocalypticism resurfaces
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This dissertation aims to analyze the motivations and future plans of the Islamic State (IS) and challenge the common interpretations of its goals. It argues that apocalyptic ideology underpins the group's strategy, refuting the notion of IS as a purely power-seeking organization.
- The role of apocalyptic ideology in IS's strategy
- The debate between strategic rationality and ideological motivations
- The contradiction between IS's apparent "Remaining and Expanding" strategy and its apocalyptic goals
- The influence of IS's apocalyptic beliefs on its actions and its relationship with external actors
- The challenges of understanding IS's complex and seemingly contradictory behavior
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the study, highlighting the difficulty in understanding IS's motivations. It establishes the dissertation's central argument that apocalyptic ideology plays a crucial role in the group's strategy.
- Chapter 1: How fanaticism almost destroyed IS: This chapter explores the impact of fanaticism on IS's development and examines how its potential for self-destruction through violent extremism was almost realized.
- Chapter 2: How strategic behaviour facilitated the erection of the Caliphate: This chapter examines the strategic elements of IS's actions and analyzes how they contributed to the establishment of the Caliphate. It explores the group's utilization of alliances, strategic planning, and tactical lies.
- Chapter 3: Apocalypticism resurfaces: This chapter delves into the reemergence of apocalyptic beliefs within IS and their impact on the group's strategy. It examines how these beliefs influence IS's decision-making and actions, potentially contradicting its apparent pursuit of territorial expansion.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The study focuses on the following key concepts: Islamic State (IS), apocalyptic ideology, strategic rationality, Caliphate, violent extremism, "Remaining and Expanding," religious zealotry, contradictions in IS behavior, and the role of Western intervention in IS's strategy.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2016, Understanding ISIS. Strategic Caliphate-Building or Fanatic Apocalypticism?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/986223
