Information Operations and Terrorism (PREPRINT)
Abstract
The term "terrorism" generally refers to physical acts of violence intended to inculcate fear. It conjures up images of bombs exploding, bodies mutilated, and innocent lives lost. Behind the physical assaults, however, is another dimension of terrorism. It is the information dimension, and terrorists exploit it every bit as much as the physical. Their ultimate goal goes beyond the death and destruction they leave behind: power and influence. Terrorists seek a change, and their objective is to influence populations in ways that support that change. To do that, they engage in both physical and information operations, and they integrate those operations together. The objective of this paper is to explore how terrorists use information operations (IO) to support their physical attacks and broader goals. The paper uses as a framework the components of IO promulgated in U.S. Department of Defense doctrine. While there is no reason to believe that terrorists follow U.S. military doctrine or even anything similar, the doctrine provides a conceptual basis for organizing the discussion. Most of the discussion focuses on al-Qa'ida and the transnational jihadist movement comprising individuals and groups loosely bound by al-Qa'ida's radical Islamic ideology, but operating independently. The movement is said to consist of dozens of radical Islamic groups who have been trained and financed by al-Qa'ida or who collaborate with al-Qa'ida. It includes thousands of Muslim militants who have trained together in Afghanistan and elsewhere (now Iraq), and an untold number who have been caught up by bin Laden's world view. Two principle types of sources are used: writings by terrorists and their supporters, including books, training manuals, online magazines, and information posted on web sites; and reports and analyses of terrorist actions that appear in news stories and scholarly publications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 18, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA484999
Entities
People
- Dorothy E. Denning
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School