ABSTRACT
The chapter presents several issues that are key to a consequent analysis of the territoriality of the violent Islamist groups. First, the development of the political map of the world is presented. This is crucial as the development points to the dynamic nature of the political map that does not correspond with the seemingly static territoriality of the modern state system. Consequently, the main actors are defined. This leads us to the in-depth conceptualization of political territoriality. This concept is then decoupled from the institution of state. We are thus able to work with the political territoriality as a feature or a broader segment of political actors.
