The defeat of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria might seem imminent, but its influence will likely persist through its extensive cyberspace network and presence in Western societies. This virtual environment is conducive to the spread of extremist ideologies, where vulnerable individuals can be drawn into adopting radical beliefs and actions.

Niall Ferguson's "The Square and the Tower" emphasizes how these networks can continue to foster recruitment and radicalization, converting those who feel marginalized into proponents of violence and martyrdom. The resilience of these online platforms ensures that the ideological battle against such movements remains critical, even if the militant group loses its territorial strongholds.