In 2019, Islamic State lost its last remaining sliver of territory in Syria, and its Caliph, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was killed. These setbacks seemed to herald the Caliphate’s death knell, and many now forecast its imminent demise. Yet its affiliates endure, particularly in Africa: nearly all of Islamic State’s cells on the continent have reaffirmed their allegiance, attacks have continued in its name, many groups have been reinvigorated, and a new province has emerged. Why, in Africa, did the two major setbacks of 2019 have so little impact on support for Islamic State?

The Islamic State In Africa suggests that this puzzle can be explained by the emergence and evolution of Islamic State’s provinces in Africa, which it calls ‘sovereign subordinates’. By examining the rise and development of eight Islamic State ‘cells’, the authors show how, having pledged allegiance to IS Central, cells evolved mostly autonomously, using the IS brand as a means for accrual of power, but, in practice, receiving relatively little if any direction or material support from central command.

Given this pattern, IS Central’s relative decline has had little impact on its African affiliates—who are likely to remain committed to the Caliphate’s cause for the foreseeable future.

This book is the first to exclusively consider the foreign policy tendencies of African states in international institutions. As an edited volume offering empirically based perspectives from a variety of scholars, this project disabuses the notion that Africa should be considered a "niche" interest in the field of foreign policy analysis. It asserts that the actions of the continent's states collectively serve as an important heuristic by which to interrogate and understand the foreign policies of other global states, and are not simply "anomalously" extant entities whose actions should be studied only insofar as they deviate from predictions based on the experiences of Western or other non-African states.

This book is the first to exclusively consider the foreign policy tendencies of African states in international institutions. As an edited volume offering empirically based perspectives from a variety of scholars, this project disabuses the notion that Africa should be considered a "niche" interest in the field of foreign policy analysis. It asserts that the actions of the continent's states collectively serve as an important heuristic by which to interrogate and understand the foreign policies of other global states, and are not simply "anomalously" extant entities whose actions should be studied only insofar as they deviate from predictions based on the experiences of Western or other non-African states.

Surrogacy is a gift that allows couples and individuals, who may not be able to have children traditionally, an opportunity to become parents. The Journey of Same-Sex Surrogacy gives others hope that they, too, can have a family. It's a book about possibilities and dreams that details the trials along the way. Jason Warner and his partner, deMarco, eagerly want to start the next chapter of their life together. They discover they could each possibly have a biological child that would also be a fraternal twin to the other through a surrogate mother using in vitro fertilization (IVF). Although it's a new field with few resources, Warner walks readers through this journey of discovery, sharing life-changing decisions, answering many questions and providing several resources while also including stories of others. He also offers valuable information on legal and medical issues that couples face when pursuing surrogacy.

UPGRADE YOUR WORKOUT Combining plyometrics, intense circuit training, weight lifting and bodyweight exercises, this book's revolutionary programs guarantee to help you achieve a fit, toned body and peak overall fitness. The step-by-step workouts produce astounding results: *Dramatically increased power *Incredible endurance *Packed-on lean muscle *Reduced body fat Whether your goal is to drop extra weight, shave minutes off a race time or finally get ripped abs, this book is the workout partner that will push you to your full potential.

TAKE YOUR WORKOUT TO THE NEXT LEVEL Pairing weights with the BOSU(R) Balance Trainer's unique unstable platform is the ideal way to get in shape, burn fat and develop powerful, lean muscles. The lifting builds and sculpts primary muscles, while the balancing tones secondary and supporting muscles for maximum results. This book's unique program draws on the unbeatable combination to super-charge your workout with highly effective exercises: * FLYS while lying on the dome to target your chest and shred your core * CURLS while balancing on the flat side to build biceps and tone your legs * Deep-knee SQUATS with an overhead bpress to work every muscle group Packed with dozens of fully illustrated, easy-to-follow exercises, as well as day-by-day workout programs for beginners, weekend warriors and elite athletes, Weights on the BOSU(R) Balance Trainer is the ultimate guide to quickly transforming your body.

HARD-CORE JUMP ROPING FOR EXTREME FITNESS You certainly jumped rope as a kid, but you probably didn't realize this fun activity is also a kickass workout for shredding all the major muscles--arms, legs, butt, abs, shoulders and chest. With this book, you turn a simple jump rope into a power tool to: * Build muscle * Boost endurance * Amplify explosive power * Improve agility * Enhance overall fitness From beginning tips on proper form and picking the right rope to advanced tricks like double unders and knee tucks, Ultimate Jump Rope Workouts will teach you to jump like a pro and get in the best shape of your life.

GO BACK TO BASICS
The best way to get a strong, lean physique is to eat and work out the way nature intended. Paleo Fitness guides you through the fitness and exercise plan anthropological evidence has proven to be the most efficient, healthiest way to live--work out in the real world, for the real world. A healthy, athletic physique is as easy as tuning in to how your body evolved. This book shows how to work out with functional, playful, and primal movements for:
- improved strength, speed & stamina
- greater mobility & flexibility
- life-long fitness & good health
Packed with step-by-step exercises, a two-week meal plan and delicious, satisfying, healthy recipes, Paleo Fitness helps you use the high-intensity methods proven to increase fitness in the shortest possible time.

BUILD MASSIVE MUSCLES Follow the day-by-day plan in this book and you will finally achieve the body you've always wanted. Packed with clear charts and helpful photos, this book has everything you need to bulk up: *Easy-to-follow workouts *Step-by-step lifting instructions *Meal plan for maximum muscle growth The 7 Weeks to 10 Pounds of Muscle program takes less than 2 hours per week and requires just three simple ingredients: a can-do spirit, a carefully crafted exercise routine and a solid nutritional regimen. Offering field-tested programs and delicious muscle-building recipes, 7 Weeks to 10 Pounds of Muscle shows how quickly you can get strong and sculpted.