A Theory of ISIS

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria has been the subject of intense scrutiny in the West. Considered by many to be the most dangerous terrorist organisation in the world, it has become shrouded in numerous myths and narratives, many emanating from the US, which often fail to grasp its true nature. Against these narratives, Mohammad-Mahmoud Ould Mohamedou presents a bold new theory of ISIS. By tracing its genealogy and documenting its evolution in Iraq and Syria, he argues that ISIS has transcended Osama Bin Laden's original project of Al Qaeda, mutating into an unprecedented hybrid form that distils postcolonial violence, postmodernity and the emerging post-globalisation international order. This book analyses ISIS from a social sciences perspective and unpacks its dynamics by looking beyond superficial questions such as its terrorist nature and religious rhetoric. It transforms our understanding of ISIS and its profound impact on the very nature of contemporary political violence.

About the author

Mohammad-Mahmoud Ould Mohamedou is the author of A Theory of ISIS and Understanding Al Qaeda. His writing brought a fresh approach to the studies of extremism, conflict, political violence and peace-building. He was a committed pan-Africanist and pan-Arabist. He worked as Professor of International History at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, and served as Mauritia’s youngest foreign minister in 2008.

Product details

• Authors: Mohammad Mahmoud Ould Mohamedou, Mohammad-Mahmoud Ould Mohamedou
• Publisher: Pluto
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 30.11.2017
• EAN: 9780745399119
• ISBN: 978-0-7453-9911-9
• Subjects: Non-fiction book; Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political science and political education; POLITICAL SCIENCE / Political Ideologies / General, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Terrorism, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Islamic Studies, Islamic Studies, Terrorism, armed struggle, Religious and theocratic ideologies, Relating to Islamic / Muslim people and groups, Religious & theocratic ideologies, Social groups: religious groups and communities