Contributor(s): Professor Fawaz A Gerges | The Islamic State has stunned the world with its savagery, destructiveness, and military and recruiting successes. What explains the rise of ISIS and what does it portend for the future of the Middle East? One of the world's leading authorities on political Islam and jihadism sheds new light on these questions as he provides a unique history of the rise and growth of ISIS. Fawaz A. Gerges (@FawazGerges) is professor of international relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science. His many books include The New Middle East, Obama and the Middle East, and The Far Enemy. His latest book is Isis: A History. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Guardian, Foreign Affairs, and other publications. Chris Hughes is Professor of International Relations and Head of the Department of International Relations at LSE. The Department of International Relations (@LSEIRDept) is now in its 88th year making it one of the oldest and largest in the world.