Al-Qaeda on Web 2.0: Radicalization and Recruitment Strategies

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Author(s): Anne Gerdes (University of Southern Denmark, Denmark)
Copyright: 2012
Pages: 18
Source title: Investigating Cyber Law and Cyber Ethics: Issues, Impacts and Practices
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Alfreda Dudley (Towson University, USA), James Braman (Towson University, USA)and Giovanni Vincenti (Towson University, USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-61350-132-0.ch010

Keywords: Information Ethics / Information Science Reference / IT Security and Ethics / Security & Forensics

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Abstract

This chapter investigates al-Qaeda’s use of Web 2.0 as a tool for radicalization and recruitment. The media network of al-Qaeda is described in order to demonstrate the impact of their well structured media strategy for harnessing the power of the Web. They use a strategy that makes them stand out from other extremist groups, who in most cases lack an overall approach towards branding and Web communication. It is shown why this strategy works and enables al-Qaeda to set the agenda for online global jihadism and cultivate virtual communities of engaged jihobbyists. Finally, a virtue ethical perspective demonstrates the shortcomings of the al-Qaeda Web 2.0 strategies, by which it is suggested that their Achilles’ heel is exactly the ideas inherent to Web 2.0, which are reflected in a bottom up participatory perspective. Thus, the Al-Qaeda online social movement does allow for engaged user participation, but without providing opportunities for free spirited critical reflection and self articulation of goals.

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Al-Qaeda on Web 2.0: Radicalization and Recruitment Strategies

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