Persuasive Communication and Jihadism. The Impact of Daesh’s Propaganda Strategies on Muslim Youths

Abstract

 This research examines the impact of jihadist propaganda in the digital age, particularly its influence on young Muslims and their recruitment into groups like ISIS. Following the September 11 attacks, the global war on terrorism reshaped international priorities. Jihadist groups have leveraged the Internet to spread radical ideologies, recruit members, and destabilize societies.

The study combines an extensive literature review, analysis of primary sources in Arabic, and over three years of fieldwork, including interviews with jihadist fighters, ex-fighters, and experts. It highlights the ideological, operational, and technical aspects of jihadist propaganda and its role in radicalization.

The findings offer insights into the mechanisms of recruitment and propose strategies to counter these threats. While acknowledging its limitations, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of terrorism, Salafism, and the role of social media in propagating extremism, establishing a basis for future research and effective counterterrorism approaches.