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CNA Talks

Episode 5: ISIS Tactics

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has received a lot of attention for their innovative tactics on and off the battlefield including their messaging, media activities and technology use. How innovative are they really? And, how should the U.S. and allies react? Listen along as Dr. Eric Thompson talks with four of CNA's experts to discuss what you need to know about ISIS's tactics. Topics include:

  • ISIS's use of social media
  • ISIS's use of drones, car bombs and tunnels
  • The importance of holding territory
  • ISIS's affiliates
  • The effects of and reasons for barbarity
  • The transfer of knowledge online
  • The role of virtual technology

Related Resources

Biographies

Dr. Eric Thompson, a Middle East political and military affairs specialist, is vice president and director of CNA's Center for Strategic Studies. His most recent work addressed counterterrorism operations, security cooperation activities, military-to-military relations with Egypt, interoperability with Turkish and Algerian maritime forces, and coalition building for military operations in the CENTCOM region.

Dr. Jonathan Schroden is director of CNA's Center for Stability and Development and CNA's Special Operations Program. He is an expert in counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, stability operations, operations assessment, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Middle East.

Dr. David Knoll is a research analyst at CNA, where he focuses on military innovation, irregular warfare, non-state armed groups, the Middle East and North Africa.

Pamela Faber is an associate research analyst at CNA. Her research is at the intersection of security and development in conflict and post-conflict regions with a regional focus on Africa.

Zack Gold is an associate research analyst at CNA focused on non-state armed groups. He is an expert in Egyptian security and U.S. democratization, development, and security policy in the Middle East.

CNA Office of Communications

John Stimpson, Communications Associate
703.824.2689 | stimpsonj@cna.org