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Isis: A modern revolutionary force?

John Gray argues that the Sunni extremist group Isis (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) is actually a revolutionary force, not a reactionary one.

Philosopher and author John Gray argues that the Sunni extremist group Isis (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) is actually more of a modern revolutionary force than a reactionary one intent on a reversion to mediaeval values.
Surprising as this may sound says Gray, Isis is thoroughly modern. It's organised itself into an efficient company, and has become the wealthiest jihadi organisation in the world. And while it invokes the early history of Islam, the society it envisions has no precedent in history. Some of the thinkers who developed radical Islamist ideas are known to have been influenced by European anarchism and communism, especially by the idea that society can be reshaped by a merciless revolutionary vanguard using systematic violence. Isis is part of the revolutionary turmoil of modern times warns Gray, and until the West grasps that uncomfortable fact, it won't be able to deal with the dangers Isis presents.

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10 minutes

Last on

Sun 13 Jul 2014 08:48

A Point of View: Isis and what it means to be modern

Although it claims to be reviving a traditional Islamic system of government, the jihadist group Isis is a very modern proposition, writes John Gray.

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter John Gray
Interviewed Guest Arlene Gregorius

Broadcasts

  • Fri 11 Jul 2014 20:50
  • Sun 13 Jul 2014 08:48

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