The so-called "Islamic State" (IS) that has swept into power in parts of Syria and Iraq presents an imminent danger to the global community with its capacity as an effective, ideologically motivated, and bloodthirsty fighting force, coupled with its expanding territorial reach, on the ground and online. The IS has taken on a quasi-state form that mixes modernity with ancient rites, and aggressively promotes sectarian violence and religious extremism with a decidedly apocalyptic bent. Too, it has introduced to the Middle East a new level of extremism and brutality, marked by volatile fluidity, with far-reaching, dangerously destabilizing effects on state and non-state actors, regionally and globally. This book offers insights into the nature of the IS and what the international community can do to combat it. In order to achieve this objective, the origins, intentions, leadership, capabilities, and operations of the IS are explored. The Islamic State’s multifaceted efforts and effects in the region and beyond are described. Also, national, regional, and global strategies that are being pursued to address the new threat are examined. To this end, a range of recommendations are offered on specific steps that governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental bodies can take to counter the IS menace. Lastly, additional insights are presented relevant to combating the IS and undermining its potential future capabilities.

"Yonah Alexander and Dean Alexander’s book The Islamic State: Combating the caliphate without borders adds an interesting addition to the growing canon on the Islamic State (IS). It sets out to ‘address the current gap in realistic assessment regarding the IS threat, the risk it poses, and its broader implications at national, regional, and global levels’ and it does so by meticulously tracing the group’s tactics and strategy. In doing so, Alexander and Alexander rely heavily on data extracted from statements by government, military, and law-enforcement officials as well as newspaper sources. They compile an impressive and thorough amount of data to evaluate the current threat by the IS.... The Islamic State provides an invaluable resource for further research, thoroughly mapping both attacks by the IS as well as counteractions taken by the international community." - Behavioral Sciences of Terrorism and Political Aggression

"[T]he book can be likened to a handbook in that it provides a comprehensive reference tool of matters relating to IS and the authors have successfully simplified and contextualized complex concepts throughout their analytical overview. The vast reference lists that follow each chapter are testament to the breadth of research and knowledge that has been integrated into this piece of work, which is evident in its reading.The Islamic State: Combating the Caliphate without Borders is a valuable resource that serves to educate readers who are unfamiliar with aspects of IS or, alternatively, consolidates and builds upon the existing knowledge base of the target audience. Its contents can be useful to a wide range of people, including scholars, policymakers, law enforcement and those that have a general interest in the subject matter" - Journal of Asian Security and International Affairs

"The Islamic State: Combating the Caliphate Without Borders provides critical background information and analysis about the hybrid terror quasi-state's multifaceted activities and effects in the region and beyond." - Western Illinois University News