Terrorist Recruitment, Propaganda and Branding: Selling Terror Online

The book explores how terrorist organizations use marketing techniques to recruit and engage supporters, particularly in younger demographics. It analyzes the marketing strategies of ISIS and other terrorist groups and demonstrates how they establish an emotional connection with their audiences through thematic and narrative analyses of propagandist magazines and online communities. The book emphasizes that while ISIS has been successful in using marketing, it is not supernatural and there are ways to counter its appeal. It will be of interest to students of terrorism studies, radicalization, propaganda, communication, and security studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 05 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The marketing strategies used by terrorist organizations to persuade individuals to embrace their ideology and become loyal followers are examined in great detail in this comprehensive work. The author's central argument is that the rise of digital technologies and social media has given terrorist groups new and innovative ways to connect with their target audiences, particularly younger demographics. Through a thematic and narrative analysis of ISIS propagandist magazines and the group's online communities, the book demonstrates that terrorist groups operate like commercial brands, establishing an emotional connection with potential recruits.

The author emphasizes that groups and their supporters follow the logic of emotional choice, and that ISIS was not the first group to harness the power of marketing. However, it is important to recognize that terrorism is not a supernatural force, and that there are ways to counter the appeal of marketing-savvy terrorist groups.

The book raises several thought-provoking questions, including whether terrorism can be considered a product of marketing in the same way as mainstream consumer products. It also asks what can be done to combat the influence of these groups and prevent individuals from becoming their loyal followers.

This book will be of immense interest to students of terrorism studies, radicalization, propaganda, communication, and security studies. It provides valuable insights into the evolving nature of terrorist recruitment and the strategies used by these organizations to influence public opinion. By understanding the tactics employed by terrorist groups, we can better equip ourselves to counter their harmful ideologies and promote peace and security.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032249179