A framework for savagery?: a thematic network analysis of the management of savagery and examination of its relation ship to Islamic State strategy in the West

Abu-Bakr-Naji's' The Management of Savagery' (MoS) is widely considered as a 'blueprint' for Islamic State' strategy. Indeed, both MoS themes and Islamic State' external operations incorporate principles of revolutionary warfare. However, despite correlations, Islamic State deviates from the strategic and systematic guidance articulated in MoS and appears to prioritise operational flexibility over doctrinal rigidity, often traversing through various phases of a politico-military strategy. This thesis finds Islamic State operations in the West are more opportunistic than strategic. What emerges from a comparative analysis of MoS themes and jihadist terrorist attacks between 2014 and 2018 is a strong correlation between themes of 'violence', 'vexation', 'small-scale operations', and the 'media battle' and broad operational trends. Yet these trends do not strictly follow MoS' structured approach. Rather, Islamic State strategy reflects the group's own adaptation of revolutionary warfare which has evolved over time and is relatively consistent with the group's ideological foundations