POLI104 reading 2 - da Silva 2024 'Statebuilding beyond the west - VNSAs

Strategic Narratives of Statebuilding

• Statebuilding involves security provision, basic services, and social cohesion.

• These elements help create a strategic narrative, shaping actors' understanding and actions.

• Security provision: ability to provide security is a key benchmark for judging a state, based on Weberian understanding.

• Basic services: States must provide essential functions like poverty reduction, security, and human rights; measurable through effective state instrumentalities.

• Social cohesion: Emphasizes societal cohesion and legitimacy in statebuilding, focusing on social integration and solidarity.

• Statebuilding can be understood as a political project with competing strategic narratives.

Data and Methods

• Analysis of IS’s Dabiq magazine and interviews with IS civilian employees and residents.

• Examines IS’s strategic narratives of statebuilding and their reception.

• IS used online and offline media to create a collective identity.

• Dabiq magazine served as a central media platform, covering key areas and themes.

• Interviews were conducted with civilians and IS employees in Iraq, Lebanon, and Turkey.

IS’s Narratives of Statebuilding

• IS presented itself as a state, emphasizing various aspects of statebuilding.

Provision of Security

• IS provided security through its fighters and the actions of al-Hisbah (morality police).

• Civilian perceptions of IS's security varied based on the capability of governing institutions.

• Severe punishments were used for criminal activity, justified by religious explanations.

• Some residents viewed IS favorably for reducing crime, while others criticized its tactics and excessive force.

• Perceptions of public security declined over time as IS's control diminished.

Provision of Basic Services

• IS aimed to meet the needs of individuals in its territory, providing services such as healthcare and food.

• Civilians confirmed IS initially provided significant resources, but the quality varied by location.

• Those dependent on state benefits viewed IS favorably due to generous support.

• Employed civilians were discontented with the provision of electricity, gas, water, and other essential services.

• Services diminished over time as resources were diverted to military operations.

Social Cohesion

• IS enforced a top-down narrative of social cohesion, excluding those not conforming to its Sunni Arab ideal.

• Sectarianism: anti-Kurdish, anti-Shi’a, and anti-Yazidi sentiments were present in Dabiq.

• IS sought to eliminate or enslave non-conforming individuals.

• Civilian attitudes toward IS's policies varied, with some drawing comparisons to previous Iraqi government policies.

• Tribal affairs were significant, with IS co-opting tribal members to support its vision.

Conclusion

• IS’s strategic narrative aimed to establish a caliphate and provide services in an ethical manner.

• The study analyzed IS’s narrative through security provision, basic services, and social cohesion.

• IS’s provision of security was seen as protection from chaos but also as a threat due to severe punishments.

• Basic services were initially provided but diminished over time due to conflict and corruption.

• IS faced opposition from various groups, but also received support from tribes and individuals who shared its vision.

• Understanding IS’s strategic narratives can help in grasping the success and demise of statebuilding efforts.