Information policy of terrorist organizations – on the example of Daesh

Abstract

Information policy analyzed with reference to Islamic extremism is an extremely comprehensive and complex issue. It is therefore appropriate to start by defining what is meant by information policy and fundamentalist propaganda with reference to the contents of this paper. The article covers a wide spectrum of political, cultural and social propaganda, as well as mass persuasion techniques that characterize post-industrial society. It discusses terrorist organizations’ skilful use of images, slogans and symbols relating to the prejudices and emotions of the audience. It identifies the areas of effective communication exercised through various channels, aimed at persuading the audience to “voluntarily” adopt the point of view of the terrorist organizations. These communication channels depend on the target audience, which can be divided in terms of social status, wealth, religious beliefs, social attitudes, conservatism or political options. In this context, the information dimension of Islamic extremism includes the activities of extremist groups referring to the establishment of the Muslim caliphate and the creation of Daesh (Islamic State). Since the history, operation, legal status and direct actions of ISIS are not the subject of this article, only its information policy methods, the ways in which popular mass media are used for the purposes of propaganda or recruitment will be presented. The information dimension will, therefore, primarily refer to political and religious propaganda and the methods of misinforming potential recipients.