Between the Pen and the Sword: The Global Islamic Media Front in the West

Author: Torres Soriano, Manuel R.

Source: Terrorism and Political Violence, Volume 24, Number 5, 1 November 2012 , pp. 769-786(18)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

This article undertakes a descriptive analysis of the jihadist group, the Global Islamic Media Front. Using information obtained from cells broken up in the West, it argues that, in addition to its propaganda actions in support of terrorism, the group fulfils three additional functions: (a) It serves as an “identity refuge“ for individuals wishing to cultivate an identity as fighters of the jihad; (b) It offers a form of “surrogate activism“ to those who fail in their attempts to join organisations engaged in terrorist violence; and (c) It is an important source of violent radicalisation for its own members who become increasingly dissatisfied with their propaganda activities.

Keywords: internet; jihad; propaganda; radicalisation; terrorism

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09546553.2011.643934

Affiliations: 1: Department of Political Science,Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain

Publication date: 2012-11-01