Understanding ISIS. Strategic Caliphate-Building or Fanatic Apocalypticism? (PDF)

Master's Thesis from the year 2016 in the subject History - World History - Modern History, grade: 1.0, London School of Economics (International History), language: English, abstract: 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.