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From chants and pamphlets to the Internet, terrorist propaganda can be deadly effective
Propaganda used by terrorists and armed groups might not always be the most sophisticated or nuanced form of rhetoric, but with the right mix of emotion and logic it can be extremely effective in motivating supporters and frightening opponents. This book examines how terrorist groups in recent history have used propaganda, and how they had adapted to new communications technologies while retaining useful techniques from the past.
Harmon and Bowdish trace how armed groups and terrorists around the globe have honed their messages for maximum impact, both on the communities they hope to persuade to support them and on the official state organs they hope to overthrow. Sometimes both the messages and the techniques are crude; others are highly refined, carefully crafted appeals to intellect or emotion, embracing the latest forms of communications technology. Whatever the ideas or methodology, all are intended to use the power of ideas, along with force, to project an image and to communicate-not merely intimidate.
The Terrorist Argument uses nine case studies of how armed groups have used communications techniques with varying degrees of success: radio, newspapers, song, television, books, e-magazines, advertising, the Internet, and social media. It is fascinating reading for anyone interested in civil conflict, terrorism, communications theory and practice, or world affairs in general.
List of contents
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Contents:
Introduction
1. Terrorist Propaganda and Argument
2. Radio: The Voice of Fighting Algeria
3. Voice and Lyrics: The New People's Army of Troubadours
4. Newspaper: The Irish People
5. Television: Hezbollah's Al-Manar
6. Internet: Militancy and Ecotage
7. The Book: Islamist Strategy for the Post-bin Laden Era
8. Advertising: The People's Mujahideen e Khalq
9. The E-Magazine: Al-Qaeda's Inspire
10. Social Media: The Islamic State's Multimedia Blitzkrieg
Conclusions: A Contest of Ideas
Notes
Index
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About the author
By Christopher C. Harmon and Randall G. Bowdish
Summary
Propaganda used by terrorists and armed groups might not always be the most sophisticated or nuanced form of rhetoric, but with the right mix of emotion and logic it can be extremely effective. This book examines how terrorist groups in recent history have used propaganda, and how they have adapted to new communications technologies while retaining useful techniques from the past.
