From rebels to rulers : Jabhat al-nusra’s transformations and the politics of Islamist rule

Abstract

This article examines the transformation of Jabhat al-Nusra (JN) into Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) within the broader context of Syria’s protracted conflict. Drawing on Wiktorowicz’s Islamic Activism theory, the study explores how ideological framing, political opportunity structures, and strategic adaptations shaped the group’s evolution from a jihadist movement to a governing authority in Idlib and in Syria. Using a qualitative case study approach, it analyzes the group’s ideological shifts, organizational pragmatism, and engagement with local governance mechanisms. Rather than passing normative judgement, the article highlights the complexities and contradictions of HTS’s transition, offering insights into how Islamist movements negotiate the tension between revolutionary ideals and the practical realities of governance.