Islamic State, Media, and Propaganda: Performances of the 'Visual Caliphate'

This topical book investigates the breadth of visual broadcasts and performances of the Islamic State (IS). Moign Khawaja and Christian Kaunert present a rigorous examination of how and why IS visually projected its abilities and strength as a modern state, and provide insights to the purposes behind their propaganda. Examining hundreds of official propaganda video releases, Khawaja and Kaunert provide a visual longitudinal analysis of IS' portrayal of its population, territory, governance, and foreign policy, which they term as the 'Visual Caliphate'. They demonstrate that while IS published its state-like performances in multiple formats such as audios and magazines, videos were their medium of choice as they narrate stories at length and with more clarity, offering audiences deeper context to garner their support. Contributing to a growing body of research on IS visual propaganda and its state-building project, this comprehensive book will prove beneficial for future research on contemporary terrorist organisations, de-facto jihadi states, and deradicalisation as well as conflict studies. Islamic State, Media, and Propaganda is an indispensable resource for scholars, researchers and students in international politics, Islamic studies, terrorism and security, digital and political sociology, and communications. It is also a valuable reference for policymakers and non-governmental and civil society organizations concerned with international security.