Habiba AliJérôme Drevon’s From Jihad to Politics: How Syrian Jihadis Embraced Politics (Oxford University Press, 2024) offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of this transformation. Focusing primarily on Ahrar al-Sham and Jabhat al-Nusra—later restructured as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)—Drevon explores how these groups transitioned from armed militancy toward political engagement and local governance. Based on extensive fieldwork and interviews with key actors, the book analyzes how jihadist organizations adapted both internally and externally, institutionalizing their operations while seeking political legitimacy.
The core argument of the book is that the evolution of Syrian jihadist groups is best understood through the lens of institutionalization. Drevon emphasizes that this process—comprising both internal organizational structuring and the management of relationships with external actors—has been crucial in enabling groups like Ahrar al-Sham and HTS to navigate the shifting political, military, and social terrain of the Syrian conflict. His objective is twofold: first, to challenge binary representations of jihadist groups as either radical extremists or reformed political actors; and second, to demonstrate how strategic adaptations and pragmatic compromises are key to understanding their development.
By framing these jihadist factions as dynamic political entities rather than static ideological actors, Drevon contributes to a more nuanced understanding of their role in conflict and post-conflict settings. His analysis not only deepens theoretical debates on jihadist movements and political violence but also offers practical insights for policymakers and practitioners concerned with conflict resolution, counterterrorism, and stabilization. The book’s dual emphasis on theory and practice makes it a significant contribution to the study of Islamist militancy and political transformation in the Middle East.
In his book, Drevon explores the emergence and evolution of jihadist groups within the broader context of the Syrian uprising that began in 2011. As peaceful protests quickly escalated into civil war, Islamist factions such as Ahrar al-Sham and Jabhat al-Nusra rose to prominence. Ahrar al-Sham, formed by Salafi militants, aimed to establish a Sunni Islamist state distinct from both the Muslim Brotherhood and al-Qaeda. In contrast, Jabhat al-Nusra initially aligned itself with al-Qaeda’s transnational jihadist agenda, though it later shifted focus toward the Syrian conflict specifically. Drevon underscores how these groups gained early dominance over the fragmented opposition, particularly the Free Syrian Army, by leveraging ideological clarity, military organization, and access to transnational networks for funding and recruitment.
As state authority collapsed in opposition-held areas, both groups moved to fill the governance vacuum by establishing local administrative structures, judicial bodies based on sharia, and humanitarian aid distribution systems. These efforts were strategic, serving not only immediate practical needs but also bolstering the groups’ legitimacy. Ahrar al-Sham adopted a decentralized governance model, while Jabhat al-Nusra emphasized ideological control. Drevon highlights how both groups institutionalized their operations, enabling resilience in the face of military setbacks and leadership losses.
Coalition-building also played a key role in their strategies. The formation of Jaysh al-Fatah—a military alliance that included both Ahrar al-Sham and Jabhat al-Nusra—demonstrated the potential for unified opposition efforts, but also revealed deep ideological and strategic tensions. External actors such as Turkey and Qatar further complicated these dynamics.
A major theme in Drevon’s analysis is the transition from pure militancy to political engagement, particularly in the case of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The creation of the Syrian Salvation Government marked a turning point, as HTS sought to present itself as a locally-rooted political authority rather than a transnational jihadist movement. This shift involved both ideological compromises and organizational restructuring, though internal divisions and external pressures made this evolution complex and fragile.
Ultimately, Drevon situates the experiences of groups like Ahrar al-Sham and HTS within broader debates about the future of jihadist movements. He argues that the Syrian case illustrates a move away from global jihad toward localized, institutionalized forms of governance. While this transformation has enabled sustained influence, it also raises questions about the durability of politicized jihad in the face of ideological tensions and governance challenges.
Jerome Drevon’s From Jihad to Politics is a conscientious exploration of how jihadist groups in Syria, particularly Ahrar al-Sham and Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), adapted to the complex and evolving realities of the Syrian conflict. At its core, the book grapples with the fluidity of jihadist movements, challenging static views of these groups as either wholly ideological or solely pragmatic actors. Through the lens of institutionalization, Drevon delves into their strategic evolution, highlighting how governance, coalition-building, and ideological redefinition reshaped their trajectories.
One of the book’s most compelling themes is the role of institutionalization in jihadist groups’ ability to consolidate power. Drevon emphasizes that governance was not merely a pragmatic response to the collapse of state structures but a deliberate strategy to establish legitimacy. Ahrar al-Sham and Jabhat al-Nusra differentiated themselves from other factions by providing essential services, creating Sharia-based judicial systems, and presenting themselves as capable alternatives to the Assad regime. Drevon’s analysis underscores how institutional strength was critical to these groups’ resilience. By building bureaucratic systems and formalizing decision-making processes, they maintained internal cohesion and adapted to the shifting dynamics of the conflict. This institutionalization, however, came with challenges. While governance initiatives enhanced their local legitimacy, they also exposed these groups to new pressures—from local populations demanding accountability to international actors scrutinizing their political aspirations.
Another central theme is the strategic importance of territorial control and alliances. Drevon illustrates how jihadist groups leveraged military effectiveness and coalition-building to secure key areas, with the capture of Idlib in 2015 by the Jaysh al-Fatah (Army of Conquest) coalition serving as a prime example. This alliance, which included Ahrar al-Sham and Jabhat al-Nusra, highlighted the potential for unity among opposition factions. However, it also exposed the deep ideological and strategic divisions often undermining such coalitions. The contrasting approaches of Ahrar al-Sham and Jabhat al-Nusra to coalition-building are particularly revealing. Ahrar al-Sham prioritized inclusivity, seeking pragmatic alliances with non-jihadist factions. In contrast, Jabhat al-Nusra’s more rigid ideological stance often created friction with potential allies, limiting its ability to sustain long-term collaborations. These dynamics reflect a broader tension between ideology and pragmatism that permeates the book, shaping the trajectories of both groups in profound ways.
Perhaps the book’s most thought-provoking theme is what Drevon terms “politicization”—the transition of jihadist groups from military actors to political entities. This shift is exemplified by HTS’s establishment of the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG), a governance body designed to centralize authority in opposition-held territories. Drevon explores how internal institutionalization, including the development of bureaucratic structures and technocratic leadership, enabled HTS to embark on this ambitious political project. This shift, however, was not without costs. The rebranding of HTS and its formal severance from al-Qaeda’s global network alienated hardline factions within the group, sparking internal dissent. Moreover, the group’s attempts at governance brought it into direct competition with other opposition factions and local populations who remained skeptical of its intentions. Drevon masterfully captures the tension between ideological commitments and the pragmatic demands of governance, highlighting how these competing imperatives shaped the group’s evolution.
In the concluding chapters, Drevon reflects on the broader significance of the Syrian case for understanding jihadist movements in other contexts. He argues that the trajectories of Ahrar al-Sham and HTS challenge the notion that jihadist groups are static entities driven solely by ideology. Instead, their ability to adapt—whether through institutionalization, governance, or coalition-building—demonstrates a level of strategic sophistication often overlooked in conventional analyses. At the same time, Drevon does not shy away from acknowledging the limitations of these adaptations. The politicization of jihadist groups is fraught with challenges, from internal divisions to external skepticism. Moreover, the fragile alliances and ideological compromises that underpin these transitions often leave such groups vulnerable to fragmentation. These insights are particularly relevant for policymakers and practitioners, offering a nuanced perspective on the conditions under which jihadist groups might transition toward political engagement—or, conversely, revert to radicalization.
Drevon’s From Jihad to Politics offers a fresh and nuanced perspective on the evolution of jihadist groups, emphasizing the centrality of institutionalization in shaping their trajectories. By exploring governance, coalition-building, and politicization themes, the book provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the complex interplay of ideology, pragmatism, and external pressures in jihadist politics. It challenges static narratives, inviting readers to view these groups not merely as ideological actors but as dynamic entities navigating the multifaceted realities of protracted conflict. Ultimately, Drevon’s work is not just an academic exercise; it is a call for a more sophisticated understanding of jihadist groups, one that recognizes their capacity for adaptation and the broader implications of their evolution for conflict resolution.
One of the book’s most significant contributions lies in its innovative use of institutionalization as a framework for understanding the evolution of jihadist groups. Drevon moves beyond the binary narratives that dominate much of the literature on jihadism, which often dichotomizes groups into either “radicalized” or “moderated” categories. Instead, he offers a more dynamic and multidimensional perspective, examining how jihadist organizations balance internal and external pressures to adapt to the shifting realities of protracted conflict. This approach enables a deeper exploration of how groups like Ahrar al-Sham and HTS institutionalized their operations, built governance structures, and redefined their political agendas.
Drevon’s emphasis on institutionalization—both internal and external—is groundbreaking. Internally, he highlights how robust organizational structures, bureaucracies, and decision-making processes allowed jihadist groups to maintain cohesion even during military setbacks and leadership crises. Externally, he explores how these groups engaged with other armed factions, civilian populations, and foreign actors to stabilize their positions and legitimize their authority. This dual focus on internal and external institutionalization provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing the evolution of armed groups, offering insights applicable beyond the Syrian context.
Another major strength of the book is its empirical rigor. Drevon’s extensive field research, including interviews with key figures in Ahrar al-Sham and HTS, lends credibility and depth to his analysis. These firsthand accounts provide unique insights into these groups’ decision-making processes, ideological debates, and strategic adaptations. For example, his detailed examination of the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG)—established by HTS to govern opposition-held territories—illustrates how jihadist groups attempted to reconcile their ideological commitments with the practical demands of governance. This empirical depth enhances the book’s academic value and makes it an indispensable resource for scholars studying the intersections of jihadism, governance, and conflict.
The book also contributes to theoretical debates on armed groups and political transitions. By framing jihadist groups as political actors rather than purely ideological entities, Drevon challenges conventional approaches that view these groups solely through the lens of terrorism. He situates their evolution within the broader insurgency and political violence patterns, drawing parallels with other armed movements that have transitioned into political entities. This comparative perspective enriches the analysis, positioning Syrian jihadist groups within the broader literature on armed conflict, political transitions, and institutionalization.
In addition to its academic contributions, From Jihad to Politics offers practical insights for policymakers and practitioners engaged in conflict resolution, counterterrorism, and post-conflict stabilization. Drevon’s analysis of the factors that enable or constrain jihadist groups’ transitions to political actors is particularly valuable for designing interventions to mitigate conflict and foster stability.
One of the book’s key policy-relevant insights is its emphasis on the role of governance in legitimizing armed groups. Drevon demonstrates how groups like Ahrar al-Sham and HTS sought to gain the support of local populations by providing essential services, establishing judicial systems, and presenting themselves as competent governing entities. This focus on governance highlights the importance of addressing local grievances and fostering inclusive political processes as part of broader efforts to counter extremism. This underscores policymakers’ need to engage with local actors and institutions in conflict zones rather than relying solely on military solutions.
The book also sheds light on the challenges and limitations of politicization for jihadist groups. Drevon’s analysis of HTS’s rebranding and its decision to sever ties with al-Qaeda illustrates the delicate balance these groups must maintain between ideological purity and pragmatic adaptation. While these shifts enabled HTS to position itself as a nationalist movement and gain broader acceptance, they also created internal tensions and resistance from hardline factions. This tension between pragmatism and ideology is a recurring theme in the book, offering important lessons for understanding the dynamics of jihadist politics. For practitioners, it underscores the importance of designing strategies that account for the internal diversity and competing priorities within armed groups.
Another practical takeaway from the book is its exploration of the role of external actors in shaping the trajectories of jihadist groups. Drevon highlights how interventions by regional powers such as Turkey and Qatar influenced the strategies and alliances of Syrian groups, often creating new opportunities and challenges. These dynamics underscore the importance of understanding the broader geopolitical context when designing policies to counter jihadist movements. By emphasizing the interplay between local, regional, and global factors, Drevon provides a nuanced perspective directly relevant to policymakers navigating the complexities of contemporary conflicts.
Jerome Drevon’s use of institutionalization as a framework for analyzing the evolution of jihadist groups represents a significant innovation in conflict studies. By moving beyond the often-used dichotomy of radicalization versus moderation, he provides a more nuanced understanding of how armed groups adapt and evolve in response to both internal and external pressures. This approach allows for a deeper exploration of the mechanisms through which groups like Ahrar al-Sham and Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) transitioned from purely militant organizations to entities engaged in governance and diplomacy. Drevon introduces a fresh perspective that bridges gaps in the existing literature on jihadist movements, insurgencies, and political transitions by emphasizing the role of organizational dynamics and relational networks.
One of the book’s standout features is its reliance on extensive field research. Drevon conducted interviews with key figures in Ahrar al-Sham and HTS, offering insights into these groups’ decision-making processes, ideological debates, and strategic adaptations. The inclusion of firsthand accounts, coupled with detailed analyses of governance initiatives like the Syrian Salvation Government, enriches the narrative and gives readers a rare glimpse into the internal workings of jihadist organizations. This empirical rigor enhances the book’s credibility and makes it an invaluable resource for scholars and practitioners seeking to understand the complexities of jihadist movements in Syria.
Drevon’s work stands out for its impartiality. He avoids the sensationalist tendencies often found in analyses of jihadist groups, presenting a sober and evidence-based assessment of their evolution. Rather than painting these groups in a purely negative or overly sympathetic light, he objectively evaluates their successes and limitations as they navigate the challenges of governance and diplomacy. This balanced approach underscores the complexities of their transformations, highlighting both their pragmatism and the ideological tensions that arise when political realities temper jihadist principles.
Drevon provides practical insights for policymakers and practitioners involved in conflict resolution and counterterrorism by examining the factors that facilitate or constrain the politicization of jihadist groups. His analysis of internal and external institutionalization sheds light on how armed groups can be incentivized to transition from militancy toward governance and political engagement. For example, the book’s exploration of HTS’s rebranding and governance strategies offers lessons on addressing local grievances, establishing legitimacy, and engaging in pragmatic diplomacy. These insights are particularly relevant for designing interventions to stabilize conflict zones and mitigate extremist ideologies’ influence.
While the book excels as a detailed case study of Syrian jihadist groups, it occasionally underemphasizes the broader regional and global contexts that have shaped their trajectories. For instance, the roles of regional powers like Turkey, Qatar, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, as well as transnational jihadist networks, receive limited attention relative to their influence. These external actors provided funding, arms, and ideological backing and shaped the strategic decisions of groups like Ahrar al-Sham and HTS. A deeper exploration of these dynamics could have provided a more comprehensive understanding of how external pressures and alliances influenced the institutionalization processes of Syrian jihadist groups.
Although institutionalization is a central concept in Drevon’s framework, its application occasionally lacks precision. While the distinctions between internal and external institutionalization are crucial to understanding the evolution of jihadist groups, they could be further clarified and operationalized. For example, the book could delve deeper into how these two forms of institutionalization interact or conflict in practice. Additionally, the framework would benefit from a more explicit discussion of how institutionalization can lead to divergent outcomes under varying conditions, such as radicalization versus politicization. This theoretical refinement would enhance the framework’s applicability to other contexts and conflicts.
Jerome Drevon’s From Jihad to Politics is a landmark contribution to the study of jihadist movements, offering a lens that transcends conventional narratives to explore the complexities of their evolution. Through his meticulous analysis of Ahrar al-Sham and Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Drevon uncovers these groups’ strategic and ideological adaptability as they navigate the chaotic realities of the Syrian conflict. His focus on institutionalization as a framework sheds light on the mechanisms that sustain these groups and redefines how we approach the study of jihadism as a whole. This work is both a challenge and a roadmap for future scholarship and policymaking, emphasizing the need for nuance, depth, and contextual understanding when addressing the trajectories of armed movements.
The central strength of Drevon’s analysis lies in its ability to navigate the dual pressures faced by jihadist groups—internally, as they institutionalize their operations to maintain cohesion, and externally, as they interact with rival factions, local populations, and international actors. By highlighting the role of governance and coalition-building in the evolution of Ahrar al-Sham and HTS, Drevon demonstrates that jihadist groups are not static entities driven solely by ideological dogma. Instead, they are dynamic actors capable of pragmatic adaptation in pursuit of legitimacy and survival. This nuanced perspective challenges reductionist frameworks that portray jihadists as either irredeemably radical or merely opportunistic, offering instead a multifaceted understanding of how these groups function in practice.
At the heart of Drevon’s argument is “politicization,” a process that encapsulates the transition of jihadist groups from militant organizations to political actors. This theme is particularly resonant in the case of HTS, whose establishment of the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG) marked a significant departure from its earlier alignment with al-Qaeda’s global jihadist agenda. This shift underscores the potential for jihadist groups to evolve in response to local demands and international scrutiny. However, as Drevon carefully articulates, such transitions are fraught with challenges. The ideological compromises required to engage in governance and diplomacy often generate internal dissent, as hardline factions resist what they perceive as diluting the group’s core principles. These tensions, coupled with external pressures from rival factions and foreign powers, highlight the fragility of politicization as a strategy.
The broader implications of Drevon’s work extend beyond Syria, offering critical insights into the dynamics of jihadist adaptation in other conflict zones. His emphasis on institutionalization as a determinant of group survival and success is particularly valuable for understanding how armed movements navigate protracted conflicts. By exploring the intersections of ideology, pragmatism, and governance, Drevon provides a framework that can be applied to various contexts, from the Sahel to South Asia. This comparative potential makes From Jihad to Politics a case study of the Syrian conflict and a foundational text for the study of jihadism and insurgent politics more broadly.
For policymakers, Drevon’s analysis carries significant practical relevance. The book highlights the importance of addressing local grievances and fostering inclusive governance in broader efforts to counter extremism. By demonstrating how jihadist groups like Ahrar al-Sham and HTS leveraged governance to legitimize their rule, Drevon underscores the need for interventions that go beyond military solutions. Engaging with local actors and institutions, understanding the socio-political dynamics of conflict zones, and supporting inclusive political processes are crucial steps toward stabilizing these regions. At the same time, Drevon’s exploration of the challenges of politicization serves as a cautionary tale, reminding policymakers of the fragility of such transitions and the risks of alienating local populations or exacerbating internal divisions within these groups. Despite its many strengths, From Jihad to Politics does not shy away from the limitations and unanswered questions that characterize the study of jihadist movements. The fragility of coalitions, the persistence of ideological divisions, and the skepticism of both local populations and the international community all pose significant obstacles to the long-term viability of politicized jihadist groups. Drevon acknowledges these complexities, offering a balanced assessment that neither romanticizes the potential for political transitions nor dismisses the adaptability of jihadist groups.
In conclusion, From Jihad to Politics is a masterful exploration of the interplay between ideology, governance, and institutionalization in the evolution of jihadist movements. Drevon’s nuanced approach challenges static portrayals of jihadists, offering a dynamic and empirically rich framework for understanding their trajectories. By situating his analysis within the broader context of insurgent politics, Drevon deepens our understanding of the Syrian conflict and provides valuable lessons for addressing jihadist movements in other parts of the world. For academics, policymakers, and practitioners alike, this book is an essential resource, offering theoretically rigorous and practically relevant insights. Drevon’s work reminds us that jihadist groups are not monolithic entities but complex organizations shaped by the volatile interplay of ideology, pragmatism, and external pressures—a reminder that nuance and context are indispensable in understanding and addressing their challenges.