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The Future of ISIS

Brian Michael Jenkins first identified terrorism as a new mode of conflict in the early 1970s. He founded the RAND Corporation's terrorism research program more than 30 years ago, and is now widely considered one of the world's leading authorities on terrorism. He has served as an adviser to the federal government and the private sector and is frequently called upon to testify before Congress. In an exclusive conversation with RANDNext, RAND terrorism expert Brian Michael Jenkins shares his thoughts about the future of ISIS and other insurgent groups.

Featured Speaker

Brian Jenkins, photo by Diane Baldwin/RAND Corporation

Brian Michael Jenkins

Senior Adviser to the RAND President

To Defeat ISIS, Focus on Its Real Sources of Strength
The threat ISIS poses today is graver than ever for two reasons: its war chest and its ability to attract foreign recruits are both at their peak. Redoubling international efforts to cut off ISIS from these two pillars of its war machine is necessary to sap the group's strength.
Dec 4, 2015
Benjamin Bahney, Patrick B. Johnston
ISIS Will Become More Deadly Before It Dies
The lesson with ISIS is straightforward. Western populations should be prepared for an upsurge in violence if ISIS continues to lose territory. There has already been a growth in attacks and plots across the West with operational or inspirational ties to ISIS.
Nov 18, 2015
Seth G. Jones
Hitting ISIS Where It Hurts: Disrupt Its Cash Flow in Iraq
President Obama's decision last week to conduct airstrikes against ISIS and send humanitarian aid will help buy time for both Iraqi and Kurdish forces to regroup. But Baghdad needs a strategy that aligns the political and economic interests of all Iraqis to hit ISIS where it hurts: its war chest.
Aug 13, 2014
Patrick B. Johnston, Benjamin Bahney