ISIS-K: A Reboot of Jihadist Terrorism?

Abstract

Shocking images recorded on Friday, March 22, 2024 at the Crocus City Hall concert palace near Moscow revealed the presence of jihadist terrorism in Russia, evoking the Chechen wars of the late 20th century and the Kremlin’s continued preoccupation with the region. Chechnya’s history has been shaped by the struggle against religious fundamentalism, with Dudayev and Basayev being prominent protagonists. Despite the efforts of Putin and Kadyrov, fundamentalism has spread both internally and externally, giving rise to the emergence of groups such as the Islamic State of Greater Khorasan, known by its acronym ISIS-K, and generating uncertainty in the post-Soviet space due to persistent conflicts. The evolution of Islamic extremism from Al Qaeda to DAESH and ISIS-K highlights the complexity of these global threats.