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University of Central Florida STARS Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019 2018 Recruiting Followers for the Caliphate: A Narrative Analysis of Four Jihadist Magazines Andrea Madrazo University of Central Florida Part of the Mass Communication Commons Find similar works at: https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd University of Central Florida Libraries http://library.ucf.edu This Masters Thesis (Open Access) is brought to you for free and open access by STARS. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019 by an authorized administrator of STARS. For more information, please contact [email protected]. STARS Citation Madrazo, Andrea, "Recruiting Followers for the Caliphate: A Narrative Analysis of Four Jihadist Magazines" (2018). Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019. 5786. https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/5786 RECRUITING FOLLOWERS FOR THE CALIPHATE: A NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF FOUR JIHADIST MAGAZINES by ANDREA NICOLE MADRAZO B.A., University of Central Florida, 2016 A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in the Department of Communication in the College of Sciences at the University of Central Florida Orlando, Florida Major Professor: Jonathan Matusitz Spring Term 2018 2018 Andrea Madrazo ii ABSTRACT This study identifies and compares the methods of recruitment used by three prime jihadist organizations through their online magazines. The successful recruitment efforts and growth as a threat by the Islamic State of Iraq and Shām (ISIS), Al-Qaeda, and Al-Shabaab are attributed, in part, to the widespread popularity and accessibility of Dabiq and Rumiyah (published by ISIS), Inspire (published by Al-Qaeda), and Gaidi Mtaani (published by Al- Shabaab). In order to best examine the techniques of persuasion and propaganda to recruit new followers, the theoretical approach of compliance-gaining theory and methodological approach of a narrative analysis are applied. The author analyzed a total of twelve magazine issues to compare how the four magazines use (1) imagery, (2) attrition, (3) intimidation, (4) propaganda, (5) spoiling, (6) outbidding, (7) incitement, and (8) recruitment. To validate each of these themes, the study applies an open-coding instrument to select each label based on specific dimensions. These findings reveal how the same purpose to achieve the Caliphate can be chosen on a similar path by these three different jihadist organizations. This path may take different turns at certain spots, but ultimately the road is based on the same historical context to justify the recruitment process. Overall, this study provides fresh descriptive insights on jihadist organizations’ recruitment methods to gain new followers toward the achievement of the Caliphate (i.e., the global Islamic state). The sample reveals that the online jihadist magazines integrate all analyzed themes to portray their messages. The findings show certain issues implement specific themes more than others. Across the sample, the use of persuasion justified and encouraged violence. Persuasion is found in prideful examples of successful terrorist attacks iii and aftermath scenes of destruction. The distinct difference between the four online jihadist magazines is the persuasion of recruitment. iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to express my appreciation for the following important people. The constant support helped to make this thesis possible. First, I want to acknowledge my family and close friends. They have always encouraged and supported me in all of my goals, but especially to complete my Masters degree and thesis. Thank you is not enough. I would also like to extend gratitude to my thesis chair, Dr. Jonathan Matusitz, and committee members, Dr. John N. Malala and Dr. Timothy Sellnow. I am very grateful for the valuable guidance and insight. You have all helped me to achieve this fulfilling and enriching accomplishment. v TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES ..................................................................................................................... viii LIST OF MATRIXES.................................................................................................................... ix CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 10 Objectives ................................................................................................................................. 10 Background of Jihad and Jihadist Magazines ........................................................................... 12 Background of Methods ............................................................................................................ 13 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW ...................................................................................... 15 Definition of Terrorism ............................................................................................................. 15 Symbolic Meanings of Jihad: The Importance of Sharia and the Caliphate in Islam ............... 18 Sharia. ................................................................................................................................... 18 The Caliphate ........................................................................................................................ 19 Jihad. ..................................................................................................................................... 21 Salafism................................................................................................................................. 23 The Principle of Abrogation ..................................................................................................... 25 The Islamic State of Iraq and Shām (ISIS) ............................................................................... 27 Dabiq ......................................................................................................................................... 31 Rumiyah .................................................................................................................................... 33 Al-Qaeda ................................................................................................................................... 34 Inspire ....................................................................................................................................... 37 Al-Shabaab ................................................................................................................................ 38 Gaidi Mtaani ............................................................................................................................. 42 Persuasion ................................................................................................................................. 43 Propaganda ................................................................................................................................ 44 Three Types of Target Audience .............................................................................................. 45 Fundamental Muslims. .......................................................................................................... 45 Apostates. .............................................................................................................................. 46 Non-Muslims (Infidels). ....................................................................................................... 47 Compliance-Gaining Theory .................................................................................................... 48 CHAPTER 3: METHODS ............................................................................................................ 50 Narrative Analysis .................................................................................................................... 51 Open Coding ............................................................................................................................. 53 Themes ...................................................................................................................................... 54 Definitions of Themes............................................................................................................... 54 CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS ............................................................................................... 57 Analysis Breakdown ................................................................................................................. 58 Dabiq Issue 13....................................................................................................................... 58 Dabiq Issue 14....................................................................................................................... 62 Dabiq Issue 15....................................................................................................................... 65 Rumiyah Issue 11. ................................................................................................................. 68 Rumiyah Issue 12. ................................................................................................................. 71 Rumiyah Issue 13. ................................................................................................................. 73 Inspire Issue 15. 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