Disruptive Islamism: ‘Islamic radicalisation’ in public discourse, and the strategies and impact of terrorist communication on refugees and host communities

ABSTRACT

The strategic communication of terrorist organisations and its influence on public discourse, particularly in the forced migrant context, is an under-researched area. This article argues that terrorist organisations have exploited their marketability in the radicalisation of public discourse. Their (non)discursive strategic communication has influenced public discourse, with impacts on policy and practice. Thirty-two interviews were conducted with civil society organisations and host communities, and complemented by eleven online refugee representations. In addition, the study drew from secondary case reviews of Al Shabaab and a former Islamist. The paper examines and presents key field research findings on the impact of strategic terrorist communication on refugees and host communities. Further, the paper highlights public representations of Islam(ism) and the disruptive character of Islamism brand management. The article additionally explores broader ramifications of terrorist communication on the concept of radicalisation. By examining the synergy between terrorist communication and the speech-acts of other actors, this article contends that besides being a useful concept, radicalisation is a social construct modelled by the perceptions, attitudes, opinions and actions of a coterie of actors. Overall, terrorist communication in rhetoric and action regulates public discourse that in turn inflames a reinforcing feedback loop of reciprocal radicalisation.

KEYWORDS:

• Disruptive Islamism
• reciprocal radicalisation
• terrorist communication
• public discourse
• Al Shabaab
• refugees

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by University of Adelaide – Adelaide Scholarship International award.

Notes on contributors

Yvonne Jazz Rowa

Yvonne Jazz Rowa has specialised in the broad field of democratisation and conflict transformation. Her thematic orientation spans the realms of security provision and governance; small arms and light weapons management; access to justice; protection; civic engagement; good governance and public accountability; human rights promotion, among other areas across the conflict transformation gamut. She has worked in several stable, fragile and post-conflict countries, and served in different technical capacities as a manager, advisor, researcher/analyst, and tertiary educator.