Abstract
We investigate differences in the psychological aspects underpinning Western mobilisation of two terrorist groups by analysing their English-language propaganda. Based on a computerised analysis of the language used in two English-language online magazines circulated by Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and al-Qaeda (i.e., Dabiq and Inspire), we found significant differences in their language—the ISIS’ language being higher in authoritarianism and its level of religiousness. In a follow-up experimental study, we found that being high in religiousness and authoritarianism predicts more positive attitudes towards the language used by ISIS, but not towards the language used by al-Qaeda. The results suggest that ISIS’ propaganda may be more effective in mobilising individuals who are more authoritarian and more focused on religion than that of al-Qaeda. These findings are consistent with the behaviour observed in recent homegrown terrorist attacks in the United States and Europe.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 523-540 |
| Number of pages | 28 |
| Journal | Journal of Language and Social Psychology |
| Volume | 37 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| Early online date | 10 Jan 2018 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Oct 2018 |
Keywords
- computerised linguistic analysis
- LIWC
- violent propaganda
- terrorism
- al-Qaeda
- ISIS
- ISIL
- authoritarianism
- homegrown
- terrorist
- recruitment
- propaganda
- Inspire
- Dabiq
