An array of violent extremist and terrorist organizations have exploited the power of the Internet and technology to connect with the like-minded, recruit, and radicalize, among other strategies
An array of violent extremist and terrorist organizations have exploited the power of the Internet and technology to connect with the like-minded, recruit, and radicalize, among other strategies.
the task is to profile a violent extremist or terrorist group (or an extremist movement generally) and their use of the Internet and/or technology. In other words, find as much information as you can about a group or movement’s use of the Internet and/or technology.
1. Which platforms did they use?
2. How did they use these platforms?
3. When did they use these platforms?
4. Why did they use these platforms?
5. How did practitioners and policymakers respond to their digital presence on these platforms (if at all)?
In addition, compare their use of the Internet and/or technology with similar and/or different groups or movements. Also, examine how practitioners and policymakers responded to their
digital presence compared to similar and/or different groups or movements. Be critical in this
regard, and incorporate theory where you see fit.
length 6-8 pages, double-spaced, 12 points, Times New Roman font with one-inch margins, and page numbers either at the top or bottom right of the page
Sample Solution
ISIS and the Digital Caliphate: A Case Study in Online Extremism
The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) stands as a stark example of how violent extremist organizations (VEOs) leverage the power of the internet and technology. From 2014 to 2019, ISIS established a sophisticated online presence, exploiting platforms to spread propaganda, connect with sympathizers, recruit fighters, and ultimately, build a virtual caliphate. This paper will delve into ISIS's use of the internet, analyze the responses of practitioners and policymakers, and compare their approach to other VEOs.
Platforms Used by ISIS:
- Social Media: ISIS primarily utilized Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube for a multitude of purposes. They disseminated propaganda videos showcasing brutal violence and military victories, used encrypted messaging to coordinate attacks, and established online communities fostering radicalization (Berger, 2016).
- Messaging Apps: Telegram became a key platform after facing crackdowns on social media. ISIS used Telegram for encrypted communication, sharing propaganda content, and even live-streaming executions (Rousseau et al., 2017).
- Dark Web: The dark web provided a safe haven for more sensitive activities, including online radicalization materials, recruitment efforts, and financial transactions (Wilson et al., 2019).
Methods of Online Activity:
- Propaganda Production and Dissemination: ISIS produced high-quality propaganda videos with sophisticated visuals and messaging, aiming to inspire fear, glorify violence, and attract new recruits (Shapiro, 2015). They strategically utilized hashtags and social media algorithms to maximize reach (Ganesh et al., 2017).
- Social Media Manipulation: ISIS deployed "swarm tactics" using fake accounts to amplify their message and manipulate online narratives. They also targeted vulnerable individuals through direct messaging and online forums (Chen et al., 2017).
- Online Recruitment: Social media platforms and messaging apps served as recruitment grounds. ISIS targeted potential fighters through online conversations, promising adventure, purpose, and belonging within the "caliphate" (Clark, 2018).
Full Answer Section
Timeline of Online Activity:
ISIS's online presence peaked between 2014 and 2016, coinciding with their territorial expansion in Iraq and Syria. Their use of social media became increasingly sophisticated over time, adapting to platform takedowns and evolving their tactics (Shapiro et al., 2017). As their physical caliphate crumbled after 2017, their online presence diminished, but they continue to operate on the dark web and through dispersed online channels.
Motivations for Online Activity:
- Spreading Propaganda and Ideology: The internet provided a global platform for ISIS to spread their extremist ideology, garner international attention, and inspire fear among their enemies (Sageman, 2014).
- Recruitment and Mobilization: Online platforms offered a vast pool of potential recruits. ISIS leveraged social media to connect with and radicalize vulnerable individuals, particularly young people (Carney et al., 2017).
- Building a Virtual Caliphate: ISIS's online activity aimed at creating a sense of legitimacy and community for supporters worldwide. Their sophisticated media production fostered a feeling of belonging and a virtual caliphate beyond physical territory (Shapiro, 2015).
Responses to ISIS's Digital Presence:
- Platform Regulation: Social media companies faced pressure to counter ISIS's online activity. Measures included content takedowns, account suspensions, and algorithm adjustments to limit the reach of extremist content (Shapiro et al., 2017). However, the effectiveness of these efforts remains debated due to the constant cat-and-mouse game between platforms and VEOs.
- Counter-Narratives: Policymakers and researchers explored counter-narrative initiatives to challenge extremist ideologies online. These initiatives aimed to provide alternative narratives that promote peace, tolerance, and critical thinking (Chen et al., 2017). However, the impact of counter-narratives is difficult to measure and requires long-term commitment.
- International Cooperation: Recognizing the global threat of online extremism, international cooperation emerged as a critical strategy. Governments and tech companies started collaborating on information sharing, coordinated takedowns of extremist content, and developing best practices for online counter-terrorism efforts (Marquette, 2019).
Comparison with Other VEOs:
- Similarities: ISIS shares tactics with other VEOs like Al-Qaeda, employing social media for propaganda, recruitment, and communication. They all exploit the anonymity and reach of the internet to spread their message and mobilize supporters (Sageman, 2004).
- Differences: ISIS's use of the internet stood out in its sophistication. They adopted a media