Totalitarian Insurgency: Evaluating the Islamic States In-Theater Propaganda Operation
Abstract
This case study by Charlie Winter makes use of primary source documents to present the in-theater propaganda strategies of the Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). Although much attention has rightly been paid to their online recruiting and social media campaigns, their in-theater strategies are equally compelling and strategically targeted. The author uses a three-part framework - message, messenger, and media - developed by Naval War College professors Marc Genest, Andrea Dew, and Sally Paine in another study on strategic communications, to assess the intent and effectiveness of ISIS's in-theater propaganda. Winter makes a compelling case, through evidence and teaching questions, that this strategy is both deliberate and effective, especially when ISIS controlled and limited access to the internet and outside media. This has far-reaching implications for areas in Syria and Iraq that were under ISIS control. What deeply embedded ideas did children and teenagers internalize from this indoctrination media? What long-term repercussions does this hold for stability and security in these areas? The study also raises the questions of which other armed groups might adopt these effective methodologies and under what circumstances in-theater propaganda campaigns might be disrupted. As ISIS and al-Qaeda continue to inspire and sponsor new franchises around the globe, the issue of how to control access to counter-narratives becomes more urgent; this first look at in-theater strategies provides the basis for further research and investigation into the in-theater and online competition for ideas and influence around the world.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1147699
Entities
People
- Charlie Winter
Organizations
- Naval War College