Preserving that which is worth preserving does not mean cementing the status quo. Anyone seeking to preserve something valuable in the long term must improve it cautiously, yet continuously. This applies as equally to politics as it does to a publication such as International Reports (IR), which is presenting itself in a new form in this issue with its focus on the "Globalisation of Terrorism".

by Gerhard Wahlers

The So-Called Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria

With the onset of the crises in Syria and Iraq, the political environment in the Levant has continued to sustain a steep security decline since 2011. The dreaded prospect of spillovers into neighboring countries at the beginning has now become a reality. The self-styled Islamic State and other international militant Islamist groups operating as belligerents in the Syria and Iraq crisis constitute a grave long-term challenge for the international community.

by Malte Gaier

Origins and Goals of Boko Haram

In Western media the violence of Boko Haram has received considerable attention. Yet, little is known about its ideology and its aims. This article intends to close this gap while addressing the question as to which strategy is appropriate for dealing with the African jihadists.

by Bakary Sambe

The Abu Sayyaf Group between Economic Interests and Religious Ideals

The Abu Sayyaf Group was designated as a terrorist organisation by the U.S. State Department at the end of the 1990s. The Philippine authorities followed suit in September 2015, more than 15 years later. The group made several references to its links to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Nonetheless, this article argues against its reckless tagging as an “Islamic terrorist organisation” by some, thereby calling for a more scrupulous approach in dealing with the complex conflict situation on the ground.

by Benedikt Seemann

Foreign Terrorist Fighters as a Challenge for Germany and Europe

The Paris and Brussels terror attacks proved the reality of a threat that the security authorities warned of long ago: European citizens who travel to conflict regions, for example, to fight in Syria for the so-called Islamic State return to Europe as perpetrators of terror attacks here. This article examines the causes of the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs), and evaluates the best strategy for Germany and Europe to address the challenge.

by Kristina Eichhorst

Tunisia’s Marginalised Youth and Islamist Terrorism

Five years ago, Tunisians brought down their authoritarian regime, triggering a series of protests and transformation processes in the Arab World, which in turn had a great impact on Europe. Tunisia remains to be the only country in the region that has successfully transitioned from authoritarian rule to democracy. Notwithstanding, radicalization among young people is posing a threat to the country’s democratic transition, as many feel barred from the country's life. Thus, for many of those lacking prospects, “jihad” – whether abroad or at home – is rendered an ostensibly luring alternative.

by Edmund Ratka, Marie-Christine Roux

Global Terrorism and Organised Crime

Terrorist financing is now heavily reliant on diverse forms of criminal activity and illicit trade. Funding can result from petty crime such as seen in the recent attacks in Western Europe to multi-million dollar financing resulting from the Islamic State’s (IS) oil smuggling. Only multi-faceted approaches can seek to curtail this funding.

by Louise Shelley