Recruiting Mujahideen: Examining the Evolution of the Global Jihadist Movement’s Communicative Action Repertoire

• In Event: Communication, Social Media, and Terrorist Violence

Abstract

Drawing on Tilly’s (1984) notion of “repertoire of action”, this presentation demonstrates how the evolution of the global jihadist movement (GJM)’s communicative action repertoire has increased the potential resonance of its discourse. For more than a decade, the GJM has undergone several changes in its structure, and it now revolves mainly around two major factions, al-Qaeda and Islamic State. The decentralization of the GJM has resulted in a downscaling of the hierarchical structure around its media communications and a decrease of its control over many organizational aspects, including its communication practices. The GJM now has a communication apparatus that goes beyond a specific branch of the organizations, or its high-ranking officials, and relates to all actors of the movement. Furthermore, these various actors are keep striving to improve its mobilization rhetoric and framing its narrative. This presentation foresees the construction of the GJM’s mobilizing discourse as the result of the evolution of its network of actors, the context in which its communications are undertaken, and its adaptation to new communication technologies. Accordingly, it argues that the diversification of its narrative, combined with its massive diffusion, broadens the offer to its potential followers and expands its audience.

Authors

• Maxime Berube, Universite de Montreal

• Anthony Amicelle, Université de Montréal

• Benoît Dupont, Université de Montréal