Proto-State Media Systems

The Digital Rise of Al-Qaeda and ISIS

Carol Winkler author Kareem El Damanhoury author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Oxford University Press Inc

Published:9th Apr '22

Should be back in stock very soon

This hardback is available in another edition too:

Proto-State Media Systems cover

This book examines how violent extremist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda create and sustain their unique media systems in today's global landscape.

In Proto-State Media Systems, the authors delve into the intricate ways contemporary violent extremist groups, such as al-Qaeda and ISIS, establish and maintain their media frameworks. Traditional media systems theory often falls short in explaining the unique characteristics of these organizations' media strategies. The book proposes a revised theoretical lens that better captures the complexities of these emergent systems within the context of 21st-century global media dynamics.

Winkler and El Damanhoury employ constitutive and online networking theories to analyze how these militant proto-states create adaptable, identity-driven media systems. Their research highlights the significance of appealing to both historical and geographical identities, which is crucial for attracting and retaining followers. This exploration offers fresh insights into community formation and the analysis of media systems in the context of proto-states.

Furthermore, Proto-State Media Systems emphasizes the shifting landscape of media control, where nation-states no longer hold a monopoly over information dissemination. The authors investigate how certain extremist groups, focused on establishing territorial and governing authority, have transformed the media environment in the modern era. Through this lens, the book reveals the innovative strategies these groups use to engage with their audiences and sustain their influence.

ISBN: 9780197568026

Dimensions: 241mm x 159mm x 20mm

Weight: 540g

288 pages