{"product_id":"the-isis-reader","title":"ISIS Reader","description":"In the wake of its ''Caliphate'' declaration in 2014, the self-described Islamic State has been the focus of countless academic papers, government studies, media commentaries and documentaries. Despite all this attention, persistent myths continue to shape--and misdirect--public understanding and strategic policy decisions. A significant factor in this trend has been a strong disinclination to engage critically with Islamic State''s speeches and writings--as if doing so reflects empathy with the movement''s goals or, even more absurdly, may itself lead to radicalisation.Going beyond the descriptive and the sensationalist, this volume presents and analyses a series of milestone Islamic State primary source materials. Scholar-practitioners with field experience in confronting the movement explore and contextualise its approach to warfare, propaganda and governance, examining the factors behind its dramatic evolution from failed proto-state in 2010 to standard-bearer of global jihadism in 2014, to besieged insurgency in 2019. ''The ISIS Reader'' will help anyone--students and journalists, military personnel, civil servants and inquisitive observers--to better understand not only the evolution of Islamic State and the dynamics of asymmetric warfare, but the importance of primary sources in doing so.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57487757640053,"sku":"9781787381971","price":37.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781787381971.jpg?v=1786354982","url":"https:\/\/backstory.london\/products\/the-isis-reader","provider":"Backstory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}