Education in ISIS Ideological Apparatus: New Radical Islamism and the Way towards Utopia

Abstract

As an ideological totalitarian state, on the way towards the utopic society, Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has attempted to cultivate people via totalitarian control over the human lives. However, through an unusual reading of the sacred text (Koran), ISIS has focused on a special version of education for kids and non-adults. Focusing on the ideological content of the educational texts and content Analysis of them, and based on the important conceptual frameworks introduced by Louis Althusser on the Ideological State Apparatus, the present study attempts to explore the ISIS textbooks, besides the emotional utilities they use in order to strengthen members’ loyalty to the Kaliph. Doing such exploration, our endeavor is concentrated on the different techniques ISIS applies to absorb and train non-adult members: 1. Desensitization to Violence, 2. Collective Identity Inculcation, 3. Positive Governance, 4. Loss/ Replacement of Positive Role Model (s) and 5. Trusted Adult Influencers.

Keywords

• "ideological state apparatus"
• "utopia"
• "education"
• "isis"
• "radical islamism"