Truth and lies in the Caliphate: The use of deception in Islamic State propaganda

Abstract

Deception has a long history in information warfare. Recent technological advances have increased the ability of militants to utilize deception in propaganda, but this subject has not been the focus of much scholarly attention. This study remedies this shortcoming by conducting a case study of the Islamic State’s use of deception in propaganda, and identifies three types of deception: substantive, source, and spread. Additionally, this article discusses the rationales under which the group used these deceptive practices. In doing so, it provides a new framework for understanding deception that can be useful in future academic work. The study of deception can also help those fighting against these groups by providing them with a research-based understanding of how and when deception is likely to be used, which will allow them to better calibrate counter-messaging efforts.

Política, engaños y propaganda: el paltering como herramienta de desinformación en los medios de comunicación.

“…No obstante, Miller y Robinson advierten que la mentira "aunque más frecuentemente asociada a nociones de propaganda, es en realidad comparativamente rara" (2019, p. 976) como forma de estrategia, especialmente política, debido a los altos costes que conlleva ser descubierto, resultando más frecuentes las desviaciones y los ejercicios de distorsión u omisión (Bakir, 2013). Así, hay puntos de vista que afirman que no hay nada en el mensaje propagandístico que lo haga falso per se, de forma que la propaganda no sería necesariamente verdadera o falsa (Milton, 2022). Incluso autores que han analizado el uso de la mentira en la propaganda, como Durandin, sostienen que interesa mentir lo menos posible (Pineda Cachero, 2009).…”

Between paradise and prison: External secrecy and visibility in terrorist organisations

“…Some terrorist groups resort to deceit in order to raise funds, as well; for example, jihadist organisations such as Al‐Qaeda diverted amounts of money from non‐governmental organisations and charities and abused the good will of private donors; Al‐Qaeda was also engaged in money laundering (Jessee, 2006). At a strategic level, the most sophisticated terrorist organisations actively spread false information in order to manipulate their enemy and third parties and are able to create and control firms and other front organisations to cover up their illegal activities (Shultz and Beitler, 2004; see also Whiteside, 2020; Milton, 2020).…”

Extracting Primary Emotions and Topics from the Al-Hayat Media Centre Magazine Publications, Using Topic Modelling and Lexicon-Based Approaches

“…There is some wider alignment in the elements of propaganda though. For example, some experts agree on the point that propaganda does not necessarily consist of lies (Becker, 1949;Bernays, 1972;Cunningham, 1992Cunningham, , 2002 or the element of deception (Hutchinson, 2006;Macdonald, 2007;Milton, 2020;Shulsky, 2000). One such element that appears frequently in the literature for the definition of propaganda is 'emotions'.…”