This event will present From Jihad to Politics (https://academic.oup.com/book/57951), a new book by Jerome Drevon, Senior Analyst at International Crisis Group. Drevon will introduce his book, which explores why Jihadis rose to prominence in the Syrian conflict while factions affiliated with the Free Syrian Army struggled to gain traction. Drawing from his field research and interviews with these groups’ leaders in rebel-held Syria, Drevon’s book discusses how these insurgents transformed and politicised over the years, drawing important lessons and potential trajectories of the Jihadi movements beyond Syria.

Keith Krause will open the discussion, followed by Drevon's presentation of his book. Souhail Belhadj Klaz and Bilal Salaymeh will then provide their comments, after which we will open the floor for a Q&A session. The discussion will explore the book’s contributions, the future of the Syrian conflict, and potential pathways for addressing the containment and politicization of jihadi and insurgent movements worldwide.

About the Author: 

Dr Jérôme Drevon is senior analyst on Jihad and Modern Conflict at the International Crisis Group (ICG) and research associate at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID) (Centre on Conflict, Development & Peacebuilding (CCDP). At ICG, he undertakes research and analysis on Islamist militancy across regions in collaboration with regional and country analysts. The program on Jihad in Modern Conflict provides an understanding of the local, regional and international trends affecting jihadist groups worldwide and the prospects of conflict resolution including through negotiations and engagement with militants.

About the SPEAKERS:

Keith Krause, Director of the Centre on Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding (CCDP) and Professor of International Relations at the Geneva Graduate Institute.

Souhail Belhadj Klaz, Senior researcher and lecturer at the Graduate Institute in the Master in International and Development Studies (MINT-Graduate Institute) and CCDP.

Bilal Salaymeh, postdoctoral researcher at the CCDP. His research focuses on UN peace missions, statebuilding, and post-conflict programs, with a particular emphasis on the Middle East region and Syrian conflict.

about the seminars

Each semester, CCDP hosts a series of internal seminars to give our faculty, staff and affiliates the opportunity to present their work and receive feedback. The goal of the seminars is to have an informal and frank conversation about the research presented, and exchange ideas across disciplines and expertise, going beyond academic silos. Speakers at the seminars are both early career and senior scholars.

Apolline Foedit is organising the seminars for the academic year 2024-2025. For further information, get in touch at apolline.foedit@graduateinstitute.ch.