The abuse of mass media by international terrorist organizations. The online magazine "Rumiyah" and the propaganda of the Islamic State

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

1.1 Introduction to the theme

1.2 Question of research

1.3 Limitations

1.4 Method of research

1.5 Status and gap of research

2 Category System

2.1 Scientific findings of radicalization research (theoretical framework)

2.2 Design of the category system

2.3 Interim conclusion

3 Description research material

3.1 Islamic State and new media

3.2 Al Hayat Media Center – the media department

3.3 “Rumiyah” – the magazine

3.4 Interim conclusion

4 Results of the analysis

4.1 Content analysis

4.2 Layout description

4.3 Interim conclusion

5 Comparison with the findings about the “DABIQ” magazine

5.1 Comparison of content analysis findings

5.2 Comparison of layout analysis findings

5.3 Interim conclusion

6 Possible counter measures

6.1 Possible measures against online propaganda

6.2 Possible offline measures after radicalization (deradicalization)

6.3 European level approaches

6.4 Excursus – “the deradicalization center of the Bavarian police”

6.5 Interim conclusion

7 Conclusion and suggestions for further research

7.1 Conclusion

7.2 Suggestions for further research

Research Objective and Core Topics

The primary objective of this thesis is to provide a qualitative content analysis of the online magazine "Rumiyah", published by the Islamic State, to identify specific triggers that promote radicalization and to develop functional counter-strategies for governmental agencies.

• Analysis of IS propaganda content and its radicalization potential for Western recipients.
• Application of a category system derived from radicalization research to 13 issues of "Rumiyah".
• Comparison of "Rumiyah" with findings from studies on the predecessor magazine "Dabiq".
• Examination of layout and visual elements in the context of propaganda effectiveness.
• Discussion of counter-measures, including online propaganda deletion and offline deradicalization.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1 Introduction: This chapter outlines the threat posed by Islamic State propaganda, establishes the research question regarding radicalization potential, and defines the methodological approach.

2 Category System: The chapter establishes the theoretical framework based on radicalization research, introducing categories such as "Deprivation", "Social Relations and Affiliation", and "Orientation and Meaningfulness".

3 Description research material: This section details the role of new media in IS strategy and introduces the "Rumiyah" magazine as a successor to "Dabiq".

4 Results of the analysis: This chapter presents the quantitative findings from the content and layout analysis of 13 issues of "Rumiyah".

5 Comparison with the findings about the “DABIQ” magazine: The findings are compared with existing literature on "Dabiq", highlighting shifts in propaganda strategy and messaging.

6 Possible counter measures: This chapter discusses online and offline strategies to combat radicalization, including counter-narratives and deradicalization centers.

7 Conclusion and suggestions for further research: The thesis summarizes key insights on IS propaganda motifs and suggests future research areas, such as analyzing the impact of visual content.

Keywords

Radicalization, Islamic State, Rumiyah, Propaganda, Content Analysis, Dabiq, Online Jihad, Counter-narratives, Deradicalization, Extremism, Ideology, Western Recipients, Terrorism, Media Strategy, Salafism.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this research?

The work examines the English-language propaganda content within the Islamic State's online magazine "Rumiyah" and how these materials may facilitate radicalization among Western recipients.

What are the primary themes analyzed in the magazine?

The study analyzes content based on three main pillars: "Deprivation", "Social Relationship and Affiliation", and "Orientation and Meaningfulness".

What is the main objective of the thesis?

The primary goal is to understand the messaging used by the IS to provide governmental agencies with knowledge to build effective counter-strategies against online radicalization.

Which scientific method is employed?

The author uses a qualitative content analysis approach based on the methods described by Mayring, combined with a frequency analysis of specific categories and keywords.

What does the layout analysis cover?

It examines how the professional visual design, the structure of articles, and the selection of images in "Rumiyah" contribute to reinforcing the radicalization motifs identified in the text.

Which terms characterize this study?

Key terms include "radicalization process", "cognitive opening", "counter-narratives", and "jihadist propaganda".

How does "Rumiyah" differ from its predecessor "Dabiq"?

The research shows that "Rumiyah" focuses more on inciting jihad within Western countries and simplifies its messaging to be more accessible, with less theological complexity than "Dabiq".

What role do "manuals" for terror tactics play?

The magazine includes instructional content—often described as "manuals"—for lone wolf attacks, which serve to provide practical guidance on how to carry out terrorism, such as knife, vehicle, or arson attacks.