The Impact of the Pandemic on Jihadism

Incubator Program 2.0 of the Islamic State

Abstract

The religious, ethnic and economic crisis in the Middle East has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 epidemic. Deepening conflicts could create a resurgence of Islamic State 2.0. The final defeat of ISIS has not yet taken place through the loss of its territories. The goal of ISIS in the region is to fire public distrust of central governments. If adverse developments persist, ISIS will pose a much greater threat in the future and will be more difficult to combat against it, than it would be now.