Sticks and stones: the relationship between drone strikes and al-Qaeda’s portrayal of the United States

Abstract

This article seeks to determine the relationship between the implementation of drone strikes and any changes in al-Qaeda’s portrayal of the United States. To this end, the study examines the changes in frequency of 26 different accusations made against the United States in al-Qaeda propaganda published “pre-drone strikes,” as compared to propaganda published during the “drone strike era.” The statistical significance of changes in frequency was evaluated by conducting a series of proportions tests in STATA. The results indicate that al-Qaeda has shifted from more ambiguous claims that the United States meddles in foreign countries’ affairs, tolerates immoral acts, and is an occupying force to more specific accusations that the United States cowardly commits illegal acts and indiscriminately kills civilians.

Keywords:

• drone strikes
• propaganda
• al-Qaeda
• counterterrorism
• United States

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Marina Powers

Marina Powers is a recent graduate of Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service undergraduate programme, where she studied international security. This is her first publication.