This scientific essay aims to demonstrate that using mass media by international terrorist organizations is not a new phenomenon of the 21st century. In fact, the use of media as a weapon by terrorists is nothing new at all. The essay shows the most important terms in this context and explains the communication strategies of modern terror. There are parallels drawn between the actions of the “Rote Armee Fraktion” in the past and the “Islamic State” in the present. Finally, the author suggests that further empirical studies on the effectiveness of the use of mass media by terrorists would be a sensible continuation.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1. Introduction to the theme
1.2. Research question
1.3. Limitations and organization of the research
2. Terrorism, communication and mass media – definition
2.1. Terrorism
2.2. Communication
2.3. Mass Media
2.4. Symbiotic relationship of mass media and terrorism
3. Terrorist media communication strategies
4. Historical view on the example of the RAF
4.1. General information about the RAF
4.2. Relationship between RAF and the mass media
5. Recent developments using the example of ISIS
5.1. General information about the ISIS
5.2. Relationship between ISIS and the mass media
6. Conclusion and suggestions for further research
6.1. Conclusion
6.2. Suggestions for further research
7. Bibliography
8. Appendix
Objectives and Topics
This essay explores whether the use of mass media by international terrorist organizations represents a new phenomenon in the 21st century by analyzing historical parallels between the "Rote Armee Fraktion" and the "Islamic State".
- Definitions of terrorism, communication, and mass media
- Analysis of terrorist media communication strategies
- Historical investigation of the Rote Armee Fraktion (RAF)
- Study of modern media strategies by ISIS
- The symbiotic relationship between terrorism and media coverage
Excerpt from the book
2.4. Symbiotic relationship of mass media and terrorism
Mass media serve terrorists mainly in two different ways. On the one hand as an information source, on the other as a tool of communication. The information source means that the news of the media provides terrorists relevant hints for the preparation of an attacks (e.g. details of the targeted objectives). During an abduction, for example, terrorists can gather media information on the state of the search and the reaction of the public - information that is also important for the follow-up activities. This kind of news can be used to optimize their strategy. Using as a tool of communication in this context means that through this medium, the communication with opponents and followers is safely possible. By means of targeted distribution of messages to the press (e.g. video or written news), terrorists can reach many people. Thus, mass media are becoming a safe means of communication for terrorists.
The further function categorized as central in the research literature - to increase the effect of a terrorist attack by media attention (by spreading a diffuse atmosphere of insecurity and anxiety) is considered in chapter three.
But what is the added value of publishing reports on international terrorism and its worldwide attacks for media companies? From an economic point of view, the answer is actually very simple: The more interesting or captivating a product is, the more people or customers want to have it. The news media face a dilemma: on one hand, they are bounded to ethical and moral principles, but on the other hand, they are subjected to the rules of business management (profit-oriented striving). This aspect, however, is not further dealt with in the following scientific essay.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter outlines the research context of terrorism and media, presenting the central research question and the organizational structure of the essay.
2. Terrorism, communication and mass media – definition: Here, the author provides essential definitions for terrorism, communication processes, and mass media, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between them.
3. Terrorist media communication strategies: This section explains how modern terrorist groups exploit media channels and economic laws of the media market to gain attention and propagate their messages.
4. Historical view on the example of the RAF: This chapter covers the historical context of the Rote Armee Fraktion, analyzing how they transitioned their media strategy over several generations.
5. Recent developments using the example of ISIS: This chapter examines the modern "jihadist" media approach of ISIS, focusing on their use of the internet and social media platforms for recruitment and propaganda.
6. Conclusion and suggestions for further research: The final chapter summarizes that media exploitation is not a new phenomenon, but has evolved significantly with internet technology, and proposes future research avenues.
Keywords
Terrorism, Mass Media, Communication Strategy, Rote Armee Fraktion, RAF, Islamic State, ISIS, Symbiosis, Propaganda, Media Jihad, Internet, Radicalization, Public Relations, Political Violence, Global Security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper examines how international terrorist organizations utilize mass media as a strategic tool to reach their objectives and whether this behavior constitutes a new phenomenon.
What are the primary thematic areas?
The core themes include the definition of terrorism, the symbiotic relationship between terrorist acts and media coverage, and the evolution of communication strategies from the RAF to ISIS.
What is the central research question?
The essay investigates whether terrorist organizations use mass media to achieve their goals and how significantly their behavior in relation to mass media has changed over recent decades.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The work is a literature-based academic study, synthesizing existing scholarly publications, internet sources, and scientific articles to analyze the research question.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body defines key terms, explains media communication strategies, compares the historical actions of the RAF with modern strategies of the Islamic State, and analyzes the role of the internet.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include Terrorism, Mass Media, Symbiosis, Communication Strategy, RAF, ISIS, Propaganda, and Media Jihad.
How does the author view the RAF's use of media?
The author notes that the RAF used the mass media of their time strategically, evolving from limited direct engagement to utilizing it as a platform for public relations after their imprisonment.
What does the author conclude about the uniqueness of current media usage?
The author concludes that media usage by terrorists is not a new phenomenon, but that the internet now allows for an unprecedented speed and reach in disseminating terrorist messages compared to the past.
- Citation du texte
- Tobias Mattes (Auteur), 2017, Communication via mass media by international terrorist organizations. A completely new phenomenon?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/421020
