Review article
https://doi.org/10.65243/s.9.2.2
Organizational Structure, Strategic Management and Ideology: A Comparison of Al-Qaeda and ISIL
Antonia Vodanović
; Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia
*
Ivana Pokrajčić
orcid.org/0009-0001-2223-9122
; Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Croatia
*
Tina Marinić Kuliš
orcid.org/0009-0003-9395-294X
; Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Croatia
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
This paper analyzes the organizational structure and strategic management
within two transnational networked organizations—Al-Qaeda and the Islamic
State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)—with the aim of identifying the key factors
that contribute to their operational resilience and adaptability. Using a comparative analysis approach, the study examines their organizational design,
ideological foundations, short- and long-term objectives, funding models, and
propaganda strategies. The results indicate significant differences in management approaches: while Al-Qaeda employs a decentralized model emphasizing
ideological cohesion, ISIL is characterized by a more hierarchical structure and
centralized resource management. Beyond interpreting the ideological similarities and differences between these two organizations and assessing the level of
threat they currently pose, the findings of this analysis may also be applied in
the fields of crisis and security management.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
342329
URI
Publication date:
1.12.2025.
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