Understanding ISIS. Strategic Caliphate-Building or Fanatic Apocalypticism?

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.