Is the Islamic State (IS) a terrorist network, a guerrilla organization, or a state? This book answers the question by looking behind the facade of the caliphate: it reveals who the decision-makers of the IS are and the ideology and strategy they think and act upon. Additionally, it examines the structure of the organization and its transnational connections. Based on the findings, this study also discusses potential countermeasures at the end.

Through a systematic and critical analysis and evaluation of the most important literature on the IS, this work filters out reliable information about the actor, ultimately presenting a comprehensive overall picture. Against the backdrop of terrorism research, the study positions the IS as a hybrid of a terrorist and guerrilla organization.