This book, published in September 2015, offers insights into the nature of the IS and what the international community can do to combat it. In order to achieve this objective, the origins, intentions, leadership, capabilities, and operations of the IS are explored. The Islamic State’s multifaceted efforts and effects in the region and beyond are described. Also, national, regional, and global strategies that are being pursued to address the new threat are examined. To this end, a range of recommendations are offered on specific steps that governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental bodies can take to counter the IS menace. Lastly, additional insights are presented relevant to combating the IS and undermining its potential future capabilities.
The so-called “Islamic State” (IS) that has swept into power in parts of Syria and Iraq presents an imminent danger to the global community with its capacity as an effective, ideologically motivated, and bloodthirsty fighting force, coupled with its expanding territorial reach, on the ground and online. The IS has taken on a quasi-state form that mixes modernity with ancient rites, and aggressively promotes sectarian violence and religious extremism with a decidedly apocalyptic bent. Also worrisome, the IS has been successfully radicalizing and recruiting fighters worldwide through its sophisticated brand of social media tactics and aggressive offline actions.
The seemingly invincibility of the IS perceived in summer 2014 was shattered by spring 2015 as territorial loses and strained leadership ensued. And still, the pseudo-state’s broad aspirations and inherent capabilities—due to control of land, thousands of fighters, ample funding, and otherwise—merit careful and dedicated efforts to ensure their demise. Too, the Islamic State has introduced to the Middle East a new level of extremism and brutality, marked by volatile fluidity, with far-reaching, dangerously destabilizing effects on state and non-state actors, regionally and globally. In fact, General John Allen, Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter the Islamic State, described the Islamic State as “one of the darkest forces that any country has ever had to deal with” as well as “a truly unparalleled threat to the region that we have not seen before.”
The book is available at the publisher’s website with a 30% off discount when using discount code
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http://www.rowman.com/ISBN/9781498525114/The-Islamic-State-Combating-The-Caliphate-Without-Borders
Editorial Reviews
Review
The Islamic State is a thorough and authoritative account of the rise of the terrorist army that specialists and the general public alike will find very useful. (Peter Bergen, author of Manhunt, The Longest War and Holy War Inc.)
This book is a work of profound insight and importance in guiding policymakers and the public as they search for an effective solution. The volume is highly recommended for experts, policymakers, students, and the general public alike. (Robert F. Turner, Center for National Security Law, University of Virginia Law School)
Yonah Alexander and Dean Alexander’s book The Islamic State: Combating the caliphate without borders adds an interesting addition to the growing canon on the Islamic State (IS). It sets out to ‘address the current gap in realistic assessment regarding the IS threat, the risk it poses, and its broader implications at national, regional, and global levels’ and it does so by meticulously tracing the group’s tactics and strategy. In doing so, Alexander and Alexander rely heavily on data extracted from statements by government, military, and law-enforcement officials as well as newspaper sources. They compile an impressive and thorough amount of data to evaluate the current threat by the IS…. The Islamic State provides an invaluable resource for further research, thoroughly mapping both attacks by the IS as well as counteractions taken by the international community.(Behavioral Sciences of Terrorism and Political Aggression)
The Islamic State provides an historical context for jihadi groups in the Middle East as well as an up-to-date analysis of the ever-changing geopolitical landscape. The Islamic State is written in an easy-to-read style, simplifying a wide range of complex topics. The Islamic State is a must read for curious readers and serves as an authoritative source for Middle Eastern scholars. (Jack Schafer, Ret. FBI Special Agent)
The book is both of enormous practical value to law enforcement and an excellent theoretical introduction to the IS for those who want to learn more about this murderous movement. (Patrick W. Murphy, former U.S. State Department official)
The book is an incredibly intriguing profile and analysis of ISIS. It is also a great reference that offers new insights on foreign fighters and recommendations on combating ISIS.(Mehmet Nesip Ogun, Vice Rector, American University of Cyprus)
This timely and crucial book should be must reading for U.S. Policymakers, students, and anyone who wishes to understand the history and analysis of the Islamic State. This book discusses the formation of the group, their intentions, their capabilities, and recommendations for defeating this serious threat to our national security. (Wayne Zaideman, former Supervisory Special Agent of the FBI, currently a Middle Eastern Consultant)
I strongly recommend this book for its high standards of academic scholarship, its in-depth, comprehensive analysis, and its critical relevance to policy makers and world leaders currently confronting this dangerous new terrorist organization. (Garth Neuffer, Senior Counselor, Strategic Communications)
This timely, highly analytical, and well-written book is a must read for those seeking a better understanding of the Islamic State phenomenon and its implications worldwide. (Terry M. Mors, School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Western Illinois University)
The Islamic State: Combating the Caliphate Without Borders provides critical background information and analysis about the hybrid terror quasi-state’s multifaceted activities and effects in the region and beyond. (Western Illinois University News)
Dean C. Alexander 