Why ISIS's Message Resonates: Leveraging Islam, Sociopolitical Catalysts, and Adaptive Messaging

• Published in: Studies in conflict and terrorism Vol. 39; no. 10; pp. 871 - 899
• Main Authors: Pelletier, Ian R., Lundmark, Leif, Gardner, Rachel, Ligon, Gina Scott, Kilinc, Ramazan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington Routledge 02-10-2016; Taylor & Francis LLC
• Subjects: Group identity; IS (Organization); Islam; Islamic law; Islamism; Law; Mobilization; Paramilitary groups; Quran; Radical groups; Radicalism; Social movements; Speeches; Terrorism; Terrorism (International law); IRAQ; SYRIA; Syria; Iraq
• ISSN: 1057-610X; 1521-0731
• DOI: 10.1080/1057610X.2016.1139373

How does the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) leverage Islamic Law to support their strategic objectives? Islam, as most religions, is a defining catalyst of group identity. ISIS has capitalized on this, using it as a vehicle to legitimize its interpretation of Islamic Law. This study builds on Social Movement Theory to develop and test a conceptual framework of ISIS messaging strategies. This framework highlights the progression of the organization's message from mainstream Islamic Law to radical unified reinterpretation. ISIS leaders' speeches are used to test the model. Ultimately, study findings inform countermessaging strategies and identify mobilization mechanisms.