Recover From Coercive Control
A note before you read on:
The information on this page may bring up difficult feelings, particularly if you have personal experience with this group. That's a completely understandable response — what many members go through is genuinely harmful.
It's also worth noting that the overall score presented here is an average. Regardless of where a group sits on the scale, a single adverse experience — like being deceived, manipulated, or pressured even once — can be genuinely traumatic and deserving of support.
If you'd like help making sense of your experience, Renée offers specialised online counselling for survivors of high-control groups. Renée's counselling is built around understanding exactly how groups like this operate.
Islamic / Apocalyptic
Islamic State
Also known as IS (Islamic State), ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) or ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant)
Founded by by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, currently lead by Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurashi
1999 (2014) -
Established in Iraq. Currently recruits members worldwide, including Australia. Operates in the following countries: Afghanistan (under the branch known as ISIS-Khorasan or ISIS-K), Libya, Egypt, Nigeria (through its affiliate Boko Haram), Somalia, Yemen, Philippines, Mali, and Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Estimated followers: Unknown (10,000s supporters)
Summary of Beliefs
As of now, the current leader of the Islamic State (ISIS) is Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurashi. He was announced as the new leader in July 2023 following the death of his predecessor, Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurashi. Leadership changes in ISIS often occur due to targeted operations by international forces, internal conflicts, or other factors affecting the group's hierarchy.
The Islamic State (ISIS) adheres to a radical interpretation of Sunni Islam, characterised by an extreme form of Salafism, which seeks to emulate the practices of the earliest Muslims. Central to ISIS's ideology is the establishment of a caliphate governed by strict Sharia law. The group emphasises the need for violent jihad as a means to achieve its religious and political objectives, promoting the idea that it is the duty of Muslims to fight against perceived enemies of Islam, including non-Muslims and Muslims who do not adhere to their strict interpretation of the faith. ISIS also rejects any form of modernity that does not align with their interpretation of Islam, seeking to impose a rigid, medieval form of governance and societal structure.
ISIS's beliefs include an apocalyptic vision where they view themselves as the harbingers of the end times, a belief that drives much of their militant and brutal tactics. They justify extreme violence, including beheadings, mass executions, and terrorist attacks, as necessary actions to purify the world and establish their caliphate. The group also emphasises strict adherence to their version of Islamic law, which includes harsh punishments for what they consider moral transgressions. Their ideology is marked by an unwavering intolerance for other religious and ethnic groups, leading to systematic persecution, enslavement, and genocide, particularly against minorities such as Yazidis and Christians. This radical and violent interpretation of Islam places ISIS at odds with the vast majority of Muslims worldwide, who reject their extremist views and methods.
Analysis Using Renée's Cult Ranking
1. Authoritative Leadership
Score: 3
IS operates under a rigid hierarchy with an absolute leader, typically referred to as the "Caliph," who demands total loyalty. Local IS-inspired cells in Australia often look to the central leadership of IS for direction.
2. Control Over Information
Score: 3
IS exercises strict control over information, promoting propaganda that supports their ideology while suppressing dissenting views. They often use social media and encrypted messaging apps to disseminate controlled information to their followers.
3. Deception
Score: 3
IS employs deception as a recruitment tactic, presenting a glorified view of their cause and masking the brutal reality of their operations. They lure individuals with promises of purpose and community.
4. Exclusive Knowledge
Score: 3
IS claims to possess exclusive knowledge of the true path to salvation and governance according to their radical interpretation of Islam. This creates an elitist mindset among their followers.
5. Exploitation
Score: 3
IS exploits its followers in various ways, including forcing them into combat roles, suicide missions, and extorting money. In Australia, radicalised individuals may be coerced into criminal activities to support IS.
6. Fear, Guilt, & Intimidation
Score: 3
IS uses fear, guilt, and intimidation extensively to control its followers. They threaten severe punishment, including death, for those who defy or attempt to leave the group. In Australia, threats of violence and social ostracism are common among IS supporters.
7. Isolation
Score: 3
IS isolates its members from external influences and non-believers, promoting an insular community where outside information and relationships are discouraged. In Australia, IS sympathisers are often encouraged to cut ties with non-Muslim family and friends.
8. Micro-Management of Daily Tasks
Score: 3
IS imposes strict control over daily life, dictating everything from dress codes to religious practices and interactions. Followers in Australia are often required to adhere to rigid guidelines set by the group.
9. Monitoring Thoughts & Behaviours
Score: 3
IS closely monitors the thoughts and behaviours of its members, using a network of spies and informants to ensure adherence to its doctrines. In Australia, IS affiliates may surveil members to maintain control and loyalty.
10. Punishment & Discipline
Score: 3
IS enforces harsh disciplinary measures, including public executions, torture, and imprisonment for those who disobey. In Australia, IS-inspired individuals may face severe consequences for perceived disloyalty.
11. Thought Reform
Score: 3
IS uses intensive indoctrination techniques to reshape the beliefs and values of its followers, promoting a radical and violent worldview. In Australia, radicalization often involves exposure to IS propaganda and training materials.
12. Us vs. Them Mentality
Score: 3
IS fosters a strong "us vs. them" mentality, depicting the world in stark terms of believers versus infidels. This divisive ideology is prevalent among IS followers in Australia, encouraging hostility towards non-Muslims and moderate Muslims.
Total Score: 36/36
Overall Cult Ranking: 10. Extremely Destructive Cult
This score indicates that the Islamic State in Australia exhibits all the hallmarks of a high-control, extremist cult, with severe practices across all evaluated criteria.
Further Reading
More Australians have slipped through net to fight for Isis, federal police say
Returned ISIS wife Mariam Raad pleads guilty to entering terrorist-controlled region
Australia: Youth Thought Dead May Be Held in Northeast Syria
IS IT A CULT?: Response from
Islamic State
No known response.
Support available for anyone impacted by a high-control groups or relationships, and want to speak to someone who understands coercive control and the road to recovery
These assessments evaluate group dynamics, particularly patterns associated with coercive control. They are not determinations about whether any individual has or has not experienced trauma, abuse, or harm. Personal impact varies widely. Coercive control often develops through an accumulation of influences rather than a single event, though specific moments — such as discovering deception or betrayal — can themselves be deeply distressing or traumatic. If your experiences in a group have affected your wellbeing, support from a trauma-informed counsellor or therapist can be an important step toward understanding, healing, and regaining a sense of autonomy. Assessments provided here are conducted using Renée's Cult Ranking system and reflect her personal opinions, which are based on online sources and personal testimonies. Renée acknowledges that groups can change over time, for better or worse, and that individual experiences within any given group can vary. Renée is open to respectful discussions and encourages diverse perspectives to foster a better understanding of matters raised.