Publication

This paper contemplates why the so-called Islamic State (IS) has yet to be defeated by much stronger international and regional powers. More specifically, the text's author 1) reviews the social science literature on why insurgencies defeat or survive stronger forces; 2) discusses the campaign strategies being used against IS, as well as the military capabilities of the group; 3) focuses on IS' current strategy against the West, especially in the aftermath of the late-2015 Paris attacks; and 4) provides observations that apply to the long-term defeat of IS and other like-minded organizations.