The current conflict in Syria is a good example of an adversary with a constructivist view. The elites within ISIS want to develop a Caliphate state with Islamic rule and social identities specific to their religious and ethnic cultures. Developing an effective military strategy that achieves political end-states against ISIS is very challenging given the complexity and deep cultural and ethnic roots in the region. Viewing ISIS with a constructivist lens, Cronin’s argument that US policy should deal with them like a pseudo-state pursuing an offensive containment strategy with limited military tactics and a broad diplomatic approach to halt its expansion seems to be the best option …show more content…
The most recent example of this was in Iraq where US political leaders continued to seek limited scope objectives which, were heavily influenced by political agendas and unrealistic timelines. This led to the derailment of political end-states and the reemergence of Sunni-Shia sectarian violence which erupted almost immediately after the American military and diplomats left Iraq. Today, these disenfranchised Sunni insurgents make up the core of