Franchising Terror: From al-Qaeda to the Islamic State, 1988-2016

• In Event: Poster Session II

Abstract

Although there are large number of studies that investigate Islamic terrorism generally and al-Qaeda particularly through the use of social network analysis, there remains a limited understanding of the temporal aspect al-Qaeda’s franchised network. Specifically, there is a paucity of research that traces the group’s evolution since its establishment. This study presents the exploration of al-Qaeda’s structural evolution, including its affiliates and offshoots, from 1988 to 2016. To map these connections at the group level, social network analyses assess the progression from al-Qaeda to its current network, including the Islamic State. Data are gathered through snowball sampling. Building on Stanford’s Mapping Militant’s Project, terrorism databases, government websites, and media sources are used to triangulate the data and provide contextual information. The findings are discussed in the context of each group’s geopolitical environment and the network’s overall pattern across time. By evaluating al-Qaeda’s enduring global franchise and contribution to the widening net of Jihadist organizations, policy makers and counter-terrorism efforts may better address the resilient and flexible nature of other politically violent networks.

Authors

• Edith Wu, Simon Fraser University

• Garth Davies, Simon Fraser University