Variables behind the emergence and consolidation of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. (c2016)

Abstract

The rapid rise and mobilization of ISIS was unexpected and soon after the organization announced its formation as a state under its controlled areas. Estimating the power of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has been a major topic of discussion since its foundation. Throughout this period, it has continued its fight against existing governments in Syria and Iraq, with a key factor in its growth being its control over key resources such as oil fields and refineries in order to guarantee a basis for financing its operations. This research addresses the variables that explain the rise and expansion of the Islamic State (IS) as a transnational Islamic movement. After determining the elements playing a role in the organization’s viability while considering IS’ variables of consolidation, two cases are discussed, the Russian revolution and the Iranian revolution. Due to the nature of IS’ sudden emergence and opposition to existing governments, studying their initial motives will help elucidate whether the Islamic State can be considered to be a revolutionary state or not. To further discuss the variables of the Islamic State’s consolidation, the research seeks to investigate the factors behind state formation as presented in literature, and how it compares to the factors behind the formation of Islamic State. The research will lastly examine the key elements behind the success of the Islamic State in controlling and managing the territories it has conquered showing it to be the only variable serving to their continuity. Key elements are summarized by the available economic resources, geopolitical depth, and administrative leadership on the controlled lands.