analysing ISIL`s propaganda

Abstract: The emergence of “the Islamic state of Iraq and the Levant” was surprising not only because of its rapid expansion geographically across Syria and Iraq, but also because of its global influence. That`s represented in its magnetic power through gravitating large numbers of Muslim youth, from almost all around the world. Interestingly, ISIL is having the global influence that has never been witnessed in any radical group we have come to know before. And the increased affiliation is not only confined to the bodily entrance and the migration of Islamic youth to ISIL`s landscape, but also through pledging other groups the allegiance to ISIL globally, such as the most recent Boko Haram affiliation and others in the Arab world. Thus, ISIL as a glocal “group” is exerting an international activity that functions within the processes of globalization and not the opposite. The media production and prevalence of ISIL is unprecedented and is qualified to represent the initial stages of a real state media. The group has media offices assigned to each of its states with periodical visual reports, besides a newspaper called Dabiq, a prospective TV channel, alongside the heavy use of social media (Facebook, twitter) which is essential for the group`s pervasiveness. According to the Washington D.C.-based Brookings Institute ISIL has more than 46,000 hyperactive twitter accounts that work to promote the Islamic state and publish its news, videos, and infographics (Lewis, 2015). Moreover, the great attention given to ISIL`s propaganda globally from both western and eastern media channels, is increasing its informational influence and offering it a free critical publicity.The research of this phenomenon will be based on three critical theories, and they are directly interrelated to the studied case, starting with 1- propaganda and the role of the psychological warfare accompanying the physical exertion of power. 2- Terrorism, as a controversial social phenomenon and its implication on the social life and modernity. Besides, 3- globalization, the role of media and means of the flow of information globally with the domination of few western media conglomerates on the global media markets, and the types of any possible counter flow.The methodologies that are going to be used to analyze “the Islamic state`s” media products are basically semiotics, and critical discourse analysis CDA.Thus, the study would provide us with a synopsis, a better and deeper understanding of the “Islamic state`s” media (movies). And how has this propaganda machinery exploited modern technologies to bear highly persuasive messages, with preeminent impact on the prospect propahandees`perception, attitudes and reflexes alike? The movies were produced to operate monolithically with three different but correlating mechanisms. First, by clinging a set of religious, perceptible and psychological codes with direct indices. Second, by depending on the synergy of these codes functioning interdependently altogether. And the third mechanism is by following a specific strategy or schema for all the movies, by applying few specific mechanics to found a typical structure of all the propagandizational films. However, ISIL`s audio-visual products reflect an apparent professionalism with high-profile vile innovation. The most distinguished aspect of these movies is their technological/digital modelling, what makes them simulate video games in order to be more attractive and appealing to young men. Thus, addressing young generations with their selfsame standards, manners, tendencies, and lingo.