Persuasion and Propaganda in War and Terrorism

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the use of propaganda during times of war, prejudice, and political unrest. Part one distinguishes between persuasion and one of its forms, propaganda. The meaning-in-use of the term ‘propaganda' is essential to understanding its use over time. Part two presents relevant examples of propaganda from the past several centuries in the United States and Europe. These examples include episodes from World War I and II, among others. Propaganda is not a new tool of persuasion, and learning about its use in the past provides a comparison that helps in understanding its use in the present and future. Part three looks at recent examples of how propaganda occurs in actual use in online terrorist mediums by Al-Qaeda and by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

What Makes Terrorism Tick in Africa? Evidence from Al-Shabaab and Boko Haram

“…Social media has even expanded the reach of violent extremist ideology (Khader et al 2016: xxi). Terrorist groups thrive on disseminating propagandistic content to their followers (Steinfatt and Janbek 2016: 16). Unlike more established outlets, such as print, radio, and television, the Internet has unique features, such as relative anonymity and global reach that is hard to govern.…”

“…Unlike more established outlets, such as print, radio, and television, the Internet has unique features, such as relative anonymity and global reach that is hard to govern. This makes it easier for illegal gangs, such as terrorist groups, to use the Internet for political and religious goals (Steinfatt and Janbek 2016: 30). Such kind of organization, coupled with the use of guerrilla tactics and weak counterterrorism policy, implies that terrorism will not be easy to thwart in Africa.…”