A Theoretical Framework for Analyzing the Behavior of ISIS
Subject Areas :
bahador aminian
1
(
Associate Professor of International Relations, School of International Relation of Ministery of Foreign Affairs
)
seyed hesam aldin zamani
2
(
school of international relation of ministry of foreign affairs
)
Keywords: constructivism, Ontological security, international relations theories, collective identity, ISIS,
Abstract :
Abstract ISIS group as a new demonstration of extremist fundamentalism has committed numerous crimes in Iraq, Syria and other countries under the pretext of reviving Islamic Caliphate. The ISIS as an effective actor in international relations and has played an increasing role in current international arena. Therefore, the question is whether various international theories can explain the motives, objectives, method and behavior of this terrorist group? The finding of the study shows that the behavior of extremist religious group are not based on a logical or rationality model, therefore, it is not easy to understand, control or manage them. On the other hand their behavioral rules are not in accordance with most basic assumption of international relations theories. Thus none of the mainstream and midstream theories can comprehensively analyze their behavior. Nevertheless, concepts from constructivist analytical framework with a view to sociological, normative, identity and cultural factors with emphasis on the role of discourses can provide a better ground for analyzing the identity-ideological groups. The present article by taking the help of factors that strengthen the collective identity shows that historical humiliation, disillusionment and fear of discontinuity of their identity, hostile surrounding community and operating material atmosphere have led to extremely violent behavior by ISIS group.
