ISIS

Definition

ISIS, or the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, is a militant group that gained notoriety in the early 2010s for its extreme interpretation of Islam and brutal tactics. Emerging from the chaos of the Iraq War, ISIS declared itself a caliphate in 2014 and aimed to establish a strict form of Islamic governance across parts of Iraq and Syria. Its rise significantly impacted global security, prompting widespread military and diplomatic responses from various countries, including Canada.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ISIS emerged as a powerful force following the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, evolving from al-Qaeda in Iraq into an independent organization.
2. In 2014, ISIS declared a caliphate, claiming authority over Muslims worldwide and implementing strict Sharia law in territories it controlled.
3. The group became notorious for its brutal methods, including mass executions, sexual slavery, and destruction of cultural heritage sites.
4. Canada joined an international coalition in 2014 to combat ISIS through airstrikes and support for local ground forces fighting against the group.
5. As of late 2021, while ISIS has lost significant territory in Iraq and Syria, it remains active through insurgent activities and global affiliates.

Review Questions

• How did ISIS's emergence influence global security concerns in the early 21st century?
  • The emergence of ISIS marked a significant shift in global security dynamics, as the group's rapid territorial gains in Iraq and Syria posed direct threats to regional stability and international safety. Its extreme ideology and violent tactics led to widespread fear and prompted countries around the world to reassess their counterterrorism strategies. The brutality displayed by ISIS also ignited discussions about the efficacy of military intervention and humanitarian aid in conflict zones.
• Evaluate Canada's response to ISIS compared to other countries in the coalition against the group.
  • Canada's response to ISIS involved both military and humanitarian efforts as part of a broader international coalition. Initially, Canada conducted airstrikes against ISIS targets while also providing support to local ground forces. In comparison to some coalition partners who deployed large ground troops, Canada's approach emphasized air support coupled with contributions to humanitarian efforts aimed at assisting displaced populations affected by the conflict. This dual approach highlighted Canada's commitment to both military engagement and addressing the humanitarian crisis stemming from ISIS's actions.
• Discuss the long-term implications of ISIS's activities on international relations and terrorism trends post-2010.
  • The activities of ISIS have reshaped international relations by galvanizing countries to collaborate on counterterrorism efforts while simultaneously prompting debates over national sovereignty versus collective security. The group's ability to inspire lone-wolf attacks globally has led to a shift in how nations address terrorism domestically. Furthermore, despite significant territorial losses, the persistence of ISIS affiliates indicates an ongoing challenge for international security, suggesting that states must adapt their strategies continually to address evolving threats from both organized terrorist groups and decentralized extremist ideologies.

Related terms

Terrorism: The unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in pursuit of political aims.

Caliphate: A form of Islamic government led by a caliph, who is considered a political and religious successor to the prophet Muhammad.

Counterterrorism: The practices, tactics, techniques, and strategies that governments use to prevent or respond to terrorism.