New War Theory

Question 1

New War Theory

Answer 1

The term ‘new’ war was originated by Mary Kaldor.

Question 2

New War Theory

Answer 2

In addition to goals, financing, and methods/tactics, ‘new’ wars are different from so called ‘old’ wars along four additional points:

Question 3

New War Theory-Point 1

Answer 3

New’ wars use identity politics as opposed to the use of ideology.

Question 4

New War Theory-Point 2

Answer 4

‘New’ wars are not financed through the state but rather through other exploitative means that seek to continue the violence.

Question 5

New War Theory-Point 3

Answer 5

New’ wars are fought by varying combinations of state and non-state networks.

Question 6

New War Theory-Point 4

Answer 6

‘New’ wars attempt to achieve political, rather than physical control of the population through fear and hatred.

Question 7

New War Theory

Answer 7

ISIS is a perfect example of a ‘new’ war when analyzing these points.

Question 8

ISIS

Answer 8

The Islamic State’s June 29, 2014, proclamation of itself as a caliphate is the key to its appeal to many Muslims worldwide.

Question 9

ISIS

Answer 9

Raqqa, is the de facto capital of the caliphate and Syria’s sixth largest city.

Question 10

ISIS

Answer 10

The Islamic State has expanded from a relatively obscure terrorist group at the start of the year to one that wields near absolute control over anywhere between 12,000 square miles and 35,000 square miles of formerly Iraqi and Syrian territory.

Question 11

ISIS

Answer 11

Within the region, around 56 million people must navigate between the armies of rival militias, warlords, and national armies that are barely distinguishable from one another.

Question 12

ISIS

Answer 12

The Islamic State rules an area larger than the United Kingdom, however, most of the land is an empty desert.

Question 13

ISIS

Answer 13

Its territory produces between $4 billion and $8 billion worth of goods and services annually, putting the Islamic States Gross Domestic Product equal with that of Barbados.

Question 14

ISIS

Answer 14

Its annual revenues amount to approximately $500 million—about one-tenth the annual budget of Harvard University—and they are diminishing.

Question 15

Goals of ISIS:

Answer 15

The ultimate goal of the Islamic State is to rule all Muslims in an Islamic caliphate and ultimately to win a doomsday style war against the West.

Question 16

Goals of ISIS:

Answer 16

As for their short-term political goals, ISIS seems dedicated to stoking conflict with the U.S. and getting the United States to commit to waging war against them with boots on the ground.

Question 17

Financing:

Answer 17

Originally ISIS was financed by petty crimes, bank robberies, and oil smuggling.

Question 18

Financing:

Answer 18

Today ISIS has established a war economy in its growing caliphate.

Question 19

Financing:

Answer 19

ISIS militants have taken control of resources such as grainaries and oil installations.

Question 20

Financing:

Answer 20

extorting “taxes” from businesses

Question 21

Financing:

Answer 21

selling off government property and equipment.

Question 22

Methods/Tactics:

Answer 22

The group that is now infamous for its beheadings, crucifixions, and mass executions provides electricity and water, pays salaries, controls traffic, and runs nearly everything from bakeries and banks to schools, courts, and mosques.

Question 23

Methods/Tactics:

Answer 23

ISIS uses propaganda that is rife with references to scriptural prophecy regarding the last great battle between of our time which will begin when the “Romans” (us) invade Dabiq, a town that still exists in Syria. In scripture that battle sets the stage for the end of times. Ultimately leading to a showdown between “Muslims” (they think this refers only to them) and their enemies, in which their enemies are vanquished.

Question 24

Methods/Tactics:

Answer 24

ISIS uses social media to recruit allies and supporters

Question 25

Methods/Tactics:

Answer 25

The basic ISIS tactic is to make a surprise attack, inflict maximum casualties, and spread fear before withdrawing without suffering heavy losses.

Question 26

Conclusion:

Answer 26

In conclusion, the ‘new’ war that is being fought in Iraq and Syria by ISIS is not an attempt to engage the peoples hearts and minds rather it is a technique meant to spread fear and hatred. Further, the method of warfare used by ISIS is a prime example of a ‘new’ war because of their goals, financing, the methods/tactics that are being employed. ISIS wants boots US boots and wants to engage the US militarily. This would do wonders for their recruitment pitch and is the ultimate ‘new’ war strategy.