Studying the ideational frame and methods of action of an Islamist revolutionary movement from social movement studies' perspective

Abstract

For the second question, I argue that changes in one or two of the strategic pillars are influenced by two external factors and one internal factor, where the influence of the latter is significant. Specifically, the external factors are the interaction between the movement and challengers (competitors and adversaries, which include groups and states) operating in the same context and its alliances with actors (groups and states). The internal factor is the movement’s decision-making structure and process—in which the movement’s leaders make decisions in light of lessons learned from the experiences of the movement and those of other movements. Here, I argue that this internal factor has a significant impact on the changes that occur in one or both of the movement’s strategic pillars. To investigate the influences of the aforementioned factors on the process of articulating, selecting and changing the movement’s strategic pillars, I have used three main theoretical approaches developed within Social Movement Theory (SMT). The first is the political opportunity structure approach; the second is the organizational approach; and the third is the strategic approach to collective action. Concerning data collection, I have applied a multi-method qualitative approach wherein I conducted in-depth interviews (one-on-one and group), online interviews, and group meetings. Along with interviews, I collected data through observation, documentary analysis, and analysis of posts on social media platforms, videos, and audio recording. The main findings of my research are as the follows. The initial strategic ideational frame and methods of action of Ahrar Al-Sham in its first phase as a group of battalions were indeed significantly influenced by confronting a state that used repressive strategies and policies against opposition groups, as well by its decision-making structure and process, in which the leaders took into consideration lessons learned from their past experiences and those of other movements. When changes occurred to one or two of the strategic pillars of Ahrar Al-Sham – a movement which has operated in a dynamic context - two external factors and one internal factor influenced these changes. The external factors were the confrontation between the movement and challengers (that included competitors and enemies) and the alliances with other actors: groups and states. The internal factor was the movement’s decision-making structure and process, in which the movement’s leaders made their decisions in light of the experiences and lessons learned from their movement and other movements as well. Here, the internal factor’s influence was significant on the changes that occurred to the strategic pillars.