Hatred for Liberal Values or Retaliation? A Comparative Analysis of Islamic State’s International Attack Strategies (2013–2019)

Overview & Synopsis

Why do jihadist groups attack some countries more than others? Perpetrators claim their attacks retaliate against military interventionism, while Western leaders argue they are targeted for their liberal values. This article examines whether liberal values or military interventionism shaped the Islamic State's choice of target countries between 2013 and 2019. Using binomial regression and difference-in-differences estimates, our results show that countries are targeted due to their military involvement in the Middle East, not because they promote values opposed by IS. This challenges the dominant Western political narrative and supports the retaliatory explanation offered by jihadist groups themselves.