About Book

The Islamic State: From Terrorism to Totalitarian Insurgency by Ondřej Filipec provides an in-depth analysis of ISIS's evolution, focusing on how the group transitioned from a clandestine insurgent force to a self-declared quasi-state entity. Filipec explores the group's totalitarian features, such as its rigid hierarchical structure, the radical ideologies it espouses, and its extensive use of propaganda and violence to achieve its goals. The book also delves into the economic factors sustaining ISIS's existence, alongside its complex relationships with global actors like the USA, Russia, and the broader international coalition. The author closely examines ISIS's ideology, especially its interpretation of radical Islamism and Salafi-jihadism, as well as its impact on the region and the global order. Filipec also investigates how different state and non-state actors, particularly those with vested interests in the Middle East, responded to ISIS's rise and governance. Relevance with the Current Era along with Community Engagement Mechanism This book is highly relevant in the current era as it offers an essential understanding of the modern terrorist organization, ISIS, and its transformation into a self-governed entity. It provides valuable insights into the mechanisms that sustain such organizations, which can aid in understanding current counterterrorism efforts and strategies. From a community engagement perspective, the book offers a basis for discussions on international responses to terrorism and the challenges of rebuilding post-conflict societies in the wake of such insurgencies. It is an important resource for policymakers, military personnel, academics, and community leaders involved in counterterrorism, conflict resolution, and the rehabilitation of areas affected by extremism. Filipec’s work is a significant contribution to the study of modern terrorism and insurgency. It offers a detailed account of ISIS's rise and the political, social, and economic factors that have enabled it to sustain itself over the years. The book is well-researched, with a solid focus on both theoretical and practical aspects of ISIS’s governance and military strategies. It provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s evolution and presents it within a broader geopolitical context, making it a critical resource for scholars, policymakers, and anyone involved in the study of terrorism and Middle Eastern geopolitics.