Panel 4D: State and non-state propaganda
Chair: Dr Miraji Mohamed (Dublin City University)
Shifting Online Narratives in the Jihadosphere in Response to Global Events: Case Studies from South and Southeast Asia Benjamin Mok (Nanyang Technological University) [Co-author: Abdul Basit (Nanyang Technological University)] Abstract: Major global events significantly influence the online narratives of jihadist communities within South and Southeast Asia, notwithstanding their direct relevance to the region. Despite recent shifts in global focus towards great power politics, these communities have not diminished; rather, they have adapted and persisted by incorporating global developments to recruit, propagandise and fundraise. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent Israel-Hamas conflict have impacted the online jihadist spaces in South and Southeast Asia. Using primary data and observations, this paper will examine the changes in online narratives and community dynamics in response to evolving global events. The term “jihadist extremist” has been used loosely to include actors beyond established groups. The transformation of extremist communities from the pre-COVID period, through the pandemic, and into the period encompassing the Israel-Hamas conflict will be the focus of this paper. It will pave the way to identify persistent elements and transformations in the interests of these communities. In doing so, the paper will highlight key takeaways, particularly how global implications ripple through local communities in South and Southeast Asia, and how this ripple effect depends on both reciprocation and appropriation of narratives.
Mapping pro-ISKP outreach to Afghan & Central Asian audiences Barry Marston (BBC)
Abstract: Pro-ISKP (Islamic State Khorasan Province) propaganda has been highly dynamic and opportunistic, with sudden shifts in messaging and audience according to circumstances. ISKP’s main mouthpiece, al-Azaim, has been a leading player since the Taliban’s return to power, at times issuing a deluge of anti-Taliban material (videos, books, statements, audios…), primarily in Pashto. However, a number of other significant outlets occupy the same social media space, like Resane-ye Mubarizin and al-Hadid. There have been major peaks and troughs in pro-IS Persian/Dari output, likely in conjunction with major crackdowns against the group. Al-Azaim has also been a major player for pro-IS anti-China rhetoric, including content issued in Uzbek and Uyghur; highlighting the Uyghur and “East Turkestan” issue, while also denouncing diplomatic and economic ties between China and the Taliban. A major growth area in recent months has been propaganda focused on Central Asian audiences, with a surge in Tajik and Russian output and numerous media groups and social media channels popping up. In recent weeks, while IS has distanced itself from Hamas, many of these Central Asia-focused channels have heavily pushed Israel’s crackdown in Gaza, clearly perceiving this as a hot recruitment theme. The growth of this propaganda output is an important subject area, given the number of Tajiks who have been reportedly involved in ISKP attacks
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