Photographic Warfare: ISIS, Egypt, and the Online Battle for Sinai

Photographic Warfare examines the processes of visual contestation in state and militant media campaigns in the online environment, focusing on Islamist and far-right groups' weaponization of visual media. It introduces an analytical framework of visual contestation to guide future studies and provides a rubric for dissecting and understanding contemporary photographic warfare using visual framing, semiotic analysis, contextual interpretations, and comparative applications.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: University of Georgia Press

Photographic Warfare delves into the intricate dynamics of visual contestation in the online realm, where state forces and militant, non-state actors engage in a fierce battle for public perception. Islamist and far-right militant groups, in particular, have harnessed the power of visual media to showcase their actions, from beheadings to training sessions, battles on the battlefield, and even services provided to local communities. These spectacles are then disseminated globally, challenging the established media narratives and policy agendas of states. Recognizing the growing threat posed by such visual campaigns, numerous states and coalitions have expanded their online media presence to counter these threats.
Kareem El Damanhoury, in his work, introduces an analytical framework of visual contestation to guide future studies of competing visual media campaigns in the online environment. This framework provides a rubric for dissecting and understanding contemporary photographic warfare using visual framing, semiotic analysis, contextual interpretations, and comparative applications. It highlights the many situational factors that influence visual output and content, including militant attacks, counterterrorism operations, loss of leaders, and introduction of new groups into the battlefield.
One notable case study explored in Photographic Warfare is the conflict between ISIS and the Egyptian state over the Sinai Peninsula. El Damanhoury uses this conflict to illustrate the various strategies employed by both sides in the visual realm, including the use of propaganda, social media, and visual imagery. He also examines the impact of these campaigns on public opinion and the broader geopolitical landscape.
Overall, Photographic Warfare is a thought-provoking and timely book that sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of visual contestation in the online environment. It provides valuable insights into the strategies used by state forces and militant, non-state actors to shape public perception and influence policy agendas. By exploring the case studies presented, the book encourages readers to consider the ethical implications of visual media and the need for responsible and transparent communication in the digital age.

Weight: 266g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780820361635