Azawad's Facebook Warriors: The MNLA, Social Media, and the Malian Civil War

In January 2012, the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) launched a military uprising seeking the independence of Mali's north as the democratic, secular nation-state of Azawad. Azawads Facebook Warriors tells the story of a small group of social media activists who sought to broadcast the MNLA's cause to the world. The book offers a groundbreaking new study of the MNLA's use of social media through the original analysis of over 8,000 pro-MNLA Facebook posts published over four years and interviews with key architects of the MNLA's media strategy. It further places the MNLA's social media activism in context through a nuanced treatment of northern Mali's history and an unparalleled blow-by-blow account of the MNLA's role in the Malian civil war. The book argues that studying rebel social media communications will prove an increasingly important tool in understanding rebel groups in the coming years and decades.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 182 pages
\n Publication date: 15 July 2021
\n Publisher: Peter Lang Publishing Inc
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In January 2012, the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), a group predominantly composed of members of the Tuareg ethnic group, initiated a military uprising aimed at achieving the independence of Mali's vast but sparsely populated north as the democratic, secular nation-state of Azawad.

Azawads Facebook Warriors is an extraordinary account that delves into the story of a small group of social media activists who tirelessly worked to raise awareness about the MNLA's cause on a global scale. The book offers a groundbreaking exploration of the MNLA's utilization of social media through the comprehensive analysis of over 8,000 pro-MNLA Facebook posts published over a four-year period, as well as in-depth interviews with key architects of the MNLA's media strategy. By contextualizing the MNLA's social media activism within the broader historical context of northern Mali and providing a detailed account of the MNLA's involvement in the Malian civil war from 2012 to 2015, the book provides a comprehensive understanding of the group's activities and its impact on the region.

Furthermore, the book makes a compelling argument that studying rebel social media communications, a field that has until now received limited scholarly attention, holds immense potential for understanding rebel groups in the years to come. By examining the strategies and tactics employed by the MNLA through their social media channels, researchers and policymakers can gain valuable insights into the dynamics, motivations, and communication strategies of rebel organizations. This knowledge can inform strategies for countering insurgency, promoting peace, and fostering stability in conflict-ridden regions.

In conclusion, Azawads Facebook Warriors is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the extraordinary story of a small group of social media activists who played a crucial role in promoting the independence of Azawad. Through its comprehensive analysis of social media data and in-depth interviews, the book offers valuable insights into the strategies and tactics employed by rebel groups, as well as the broader political and historical context of the region. By highlighting the importance of studying rebel social media communications, the book contributes to the growing body of literature on insurgency and conflict resolution, and has the potential to shape future policies and interventions aimed at promoting peace and stability in conflict-ridden areas.

\n Weight: 438g\n
Dimension: 159 x 285 x 20 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781433186363\n
Edition number: New ed\n