However, it has departed from other jihadist groups by developing an 'end-of-days' narrative centered on Syria, and by declaring a caliphate. As well as lending an air of authenticity, this apocalyptic ideology has helped ISG to justify its territorial and state-building ambitions in Iraq and Syria, attract foreign recruits, and recast the conflicts there in sectarian terms.
Significant territorial losses in Iraq and Syria will accelerate the group's efforts to expand territory elsewhere.
This could also see the group partner with other global jihadist groups or rebrand as an al-Qaida-like terrorist network.
In the longer term, if its territorial state-building project fails, it could transform into a cyber/virtual equivalent.
ISG will be able to attract recruits to Syria so long as the Iranian-backed Assad regime fights Sunni rebels.
