Exploring Terrorism through Neutralization Theory: A Content Analysis of Terrorist Leaders' Speeches.

• In Event: Analyzing Extremist Communications and Narratives

Abstract

This study innovatively applied Sykes and Matza’s neutralization theory to the terrorist leaders’ speeches of Jaysh al-Adl group (formerly Jundallah), a Sunni extremist terrorist organization in southeastern Iran near the border with Pakistan that commits terrorist acts in the name of Jihad. These speeches serve multiple purposes, including rallying people to the terrorist group and inciting them to commit terrorist acts. While some studies have focused on terrorists’ resources, such as textbooks, videos, and multimedia that strive to support terrorists’ activities, no study applied neutralization theory to terrorists’ speeches. We reviewed Jaysh al-Adl leaders speeches from their official website and Telegram channel. Our content analysis focused on these ideological speeches' terms and statements that neutralize and justify terrorist acts. We found that at least one neutralization technique was indicated in each speech, and that there was important variation in the types of techniques that leaders relied upon. We concluded by discussing our findings theoretical and policy implications.

Authors

• Amirhossein Mazaheri, Florida International University

• Joshua Freilich, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY

• Steven Chermak, Michigan State University