Abstract
The chapter presents insights into the non-linear development of the Islamic State (IS) online. Starting with the pre-IS period of Jihadi online activities, the emergence of IS online is analyzed as a swarm-like process across the platforms of the internet supporting the cause of IS via videos, texts, audio, and graphic files. The organizational aspect of these activities is included in the analysis. The online presence of IS is shown as resilient, being able to reconfigure its activities when needed. A coordinated effort of a non-hegemonic network is needed to confront the flexible online activities of IS built on evidence-based research, using multi-lingual sources, understanding the theological framework of IS and the internet.
TopBackground
Towards a History of IS And Online Jihadism
The ecosystem of the global movement calling itself Islamic State (IS, al-dawla al-islamiyya) is well known for the effective use of the platforms of the Internet for disseminating propaganda, uniting its supporters around a coherent theology of violence (Lohlker 2021, Lohlker 2016) most of it published in Arabic language (for an overview cf. Lohlker 2022). We will start with a history of jihadi online activities since the 1990s, then turn to the specific online history of IS and follow its traces across several platforms and the mutual communication of these platforms.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Jihadism: A modern transitional terrorist movement using the concept of military Jihad as a marker for identity.
Jihadisphere: The sector(s) of the Internet Jihadis (cf. above) use for their online activities.
Salafi: A modern transnational Islamic movement claiming to be the only representative of authentic Islam and propagating an exclusive theology.
Messenger: Apps used to exchange messages among users.
Islamic State: Abbreviations are IS or ISIS, a terrorist organization emerging in Iraq and Syria; now operating globally.
Forum/Internet Forum: Virtual place to exchange views, messages, and other data; a place to discuss these data and disseminate it; used by Jihadis (cf. below) as an organizational tool.
Jihadi: A member of the Jihadist movement.