What Led to the Islamic State (ISIS)?

This presentation will attempt to answer the question of why the leaders of Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQIR) broke off from the central Al Qaeda organization to create the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). In order to answer... [ view full abstract ]

This presentation will attempt to answer the question of why the leaders of Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQIR) broke off from the central Al Qaeda organization to create the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). In order to answer this question, one must examine social construct theories in an effort to determine why social movements and organized political groups that use violence to achieve their goals stay as cohesive social political groups or whether they fractionalize. Throughout these theories, one will begin to understand how intra-group dynamics, whether that be internal fighting or lack in motivation, lead to the inevitable decline and dissolution of an organization. This presentation will test these theories in relation to Al Qaeda in Iraq, and ultimately the creation of the Islamic State. By examining these theories and determining which fit the case at hand most clearly, one may be able to better understand how to combat the violence that these organizations create.