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.
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
Objectives and Topics
This dissertation examines the motivation behind the Islamic State (IS), specifically addressing the debate over whether the group acts as a strategic, rational actor focused on state-building or as a group driven by fanatic, apocalyptic ideology. By conducting a diachronic analysis of three distinct historical phases, the research aims to bridge the gap between these two perspectives and evaluate how ideology informs the group's strategy.
- The relationship between military strategy and apocalyptic ideology within IS.
- The influence of former regime intelligence professionals on the group's organizational structure.
- The evolution of IS propaganda from apocalyptic fervor to state-building and back.
- An analysis of behavioral inconsistencies and self-defeating tactics.
- The role of "intimate kills" and propaganda in internal and external communication.
Excerpt from the book
Chapter 3: Apocalypticism resurfaces
The previous chapter demonstrated the sophisticated strategic planning that was necessary to achieve the extensive and quick expansions in Syria. Authors like Huang argued in favour of employing actor- as opposed to religion-centric analysis, viewing IS as “rational and strategic, constantly making decisions based on an assessment of what course of action would best enable the group to achieve its objectives of increased military strength and control of territories, markets, ideas and people”109.
This approach soon proved to be very limited. Its contenders were mostly unable to deliver compelling explanations for numerous actions that, in terms of secular power-oriented rationality, made much less sense than the previous Syria and Iraq expansions.
Firstly, further expansions pushed into Kurdish and Yezidi territory. In the fight against the Kurds, IS encountered well organized militias such as the Peshmerga in Iraq or the YPG (People's Protection Units/ Yekîneyên Parastina Gel) in Syria. Driving fleeing Yezidis onto mount Sinjar and exposing them to death of thirst has provoked humanitarian intervention by the United States. Both expansions went into territory whose mainly non-Sunni population are very hard to control anyway. In contrast, previous expansion plans were presented as strategic choices110. Notably, Management of Savagery advised expansion only after “the preservation of security and securing the borders”111. Unconditional territorial expansion alone could with some difficulties still be interpreted as simply a natural goal of any revolutionary movement, as suggested by Walt.112 Or as a sign of a strong reliance on the “messianic flavour”113 of expansion to attract recruits. But in light of other counterproductive behaviour, this interpretation appears incomplete at best.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This section introduces the research puzzle regarding IS's motivations, contrasting the view of IS as a rational, state-building actor with the perspective of it being an ideologically driven, apocalyptic movement.
Chapter 1: How fanaticism almost destroyed IS: This chapter analyzes the early period of the group, arguing that their ideological zeal and harsh practices towards local Sunnis led to an existential crisis and internal alienation.
Chapter 2: How strategic behaviour facilitated the erection of the Caliphate: This chapter examines the group's professionalization, focusing on how former regime elements and strategic organizational planning facilitated the successful expansion into Syria and Iraq.
Chapter 3: Apocalypticism resurfaces: This chapter discusses the group's return to apparently self-defeating, violent provocations and how these actions are intrinsically linked to their apocalyptic worldview despite strategic counter-arguments.
Conclusion: This final section synthesizes the findings, arguing that ideology and strategy are not mutually exclusive but evolve together, and concludes that understanding IS requires taking their apocalyptic aspirations seriously.
Keywords
Islamic State, ISIS, Apocalypticism, Caliphate, Jihad, Strategic Planning, Dabiq, Management of Savagery, Ideology, Sunni Insurgency, Terrorism, Counter-Strategy, Escalation, Middle East, Propaganda.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this dissertation?
The work focuses on the ideological and strategic motivations of the group known as the Islamic State (IS), specifically analyzing the tension between rational state-building and apocalyptic religious fanaticism.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
The central themes include the evolution of IS strategy, the role of jihadi literature like "Management of Savagery," the impact of former Baathist regime elements on the group's hierarchy, and the relationship between ideological beliefs and military actions.
What is the primary research objective?
The primary objective is to determine if ideology is merely an instrumental tool for the group or if it acts as a genuine, motivating driver that influences strategic decisions, even when those decisions appear self-defeating.
Which scientific methodology does the author employ?
The author employs a diachronic analysis, studying the group's history in three distinct chronological phases while utilizing primary IS sources such as the Dabiq magazine, intercepted communications, and key jihadi strategic texts.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main body examines the early stages of IS/ISI, the later expansion into Syria through sophisticated organizational methods, and the subsequent resurgence of overtly apocalyptic actions, such as the targeting of Western nations and brutal execution campaigns.
Which keywords characterize this analysis?
The analysis is characterized by terms such as Islamic State, Apocalypticism, Caliphate, Jihad, Strategic Planning, and Ideological Evolution.
How does the author explain the group's shift in focus regarding the "Mahdi"?
The author argues that the group shifted its "eschatological emphasis" from the imminent arrival of the Mahdi to the establishment of the Caliphate to allow for more practical, long-term strategic governance.
What role do the "former regime" elements play in the group's strategy?
The author argues that while former Baathist intelligence officers provided professionalization and military proficiency to the organization, their personal ideology often evolved toward Salafism, making them "true believers" rather than merely secular opportunists.
- Citation du texte
- Anonym (Auteur), 2016, Understanding ISIS. Strategic Caliphate-Building or Fanatic Apocalypticism?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/986223
