Violence and gender politics in forming the proto-state “Islamic State”

This chapter explores the idea of the so-called Islamic State, also known as Daesh, as a proto-state. A proto-state operates in an environment of extreme instability but also, like the nucleus of an atom, manages to generate cohesion and structural integrity while constantly in flux. Because of this condition, and despite rejecting both nationalism and statehood in Islamic State’s rhetoric, this chapter argues that Daesh remains dependent on both. This is demonstrated by exploring the ideal-figure types of the “Muslimwoman” and the “warrior-monk,” and through understanding the organized public violence on the streets of its territory. The chapter reveals how these both transcend and depend upon nationalism and statism to create forms of authority and legitimacy for Daesh.