Terrorists' Propaganda and the Use of Media: Case Study of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: AD1104764 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Terrorist organizations have long realized the invaluable benefits of traditional media platforms in general and social media, in particular, in achieving their tactical, operational, and strategic goals. They have figured out how to make an impact through social media. ISIS, in particular, produces the most technologically sophisticated propaganda compared to other terrorist groups. The present study examines terrorists use of media by focusing on ISIS media as a case study. To achieve the purpose of this research, Case Study methodology has been used to analyze ISIS use of media. Research findings suggest that employing media as a weapon in combat, is vital to ISIS strategy to establish an Islamic Caliphate. ISIS uses media for three central goals promoting its propaganda, recruiting new fighters, and inciting violence.

Author(s):
Alemian, Tareq I.
Author Organization(s):
US Army Command and General Staff College Fort Leavenworth United States
Descriptive Note:
Technical Report,13 Aug 2018,14 Jun 2019
Pagination:
0072

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release;

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
ATZL-SWD-GD
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_8.1_Communicate; JCA_8.1.3_Influence Adversary and Competitor Audiences; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_8.2.3_Build the Capabilities and Capacities of Partners and Institutions; JCA_1.3_Human Capital Management; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_1.3.2_Personnel Management; JCA_8.1.1_Inform Domestic and Foreign Audiences; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_7.1.2_Prevent Non-kinetic Attack; JCA_7.1_Prevent; JCA_7_Protection; JCA_1.3.1_Personnel and Family Support; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_5.5.1_Communicate Intent and Guidance; JCA_6.1.1_Wired Transmission
Modernization Areas:
Fully Networked C3
Communities of Interest:
Cyber
Descriptor(s):
terrorism, propaganda, mass media, violence, recruiting, online communications, psychological operations, national security, internet, social networking services, social media, social networks
Field(s)/Group(s):
Unconventional Warfare
Keyword(s):
Terrorist organizations, IS (Organization), ISLAMIC STATE OF IRAQ AND SYRIA
Report Date:
2019 Jun 14
Creation Date:
2020 Jul 31