How do Islamist organizations leverage black market economies to sustain their power and influence during periods of civil conflict? Aisha Ahmad, an assistant professor of political science, utilizes extensive field research and interviews conducted in conflict zones to argue that the economic survival of militant groups is inextricably linked to their ability to control and tax illicit trade networks. By examining the transition from insurgent movements to governing entities, the book demonstrates that financial self-sufficiency is a primary determinant of political longevity for these organizations.

Experts in international security frequently cite this work for its rigorous empirical approach to the study of militant financing. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which provides a detailed, evidence-based look at the intersection of economics and insurgency.