ABSTRACT
Visual images serve as key sources of networked arguments. One non-state group that has recently relied heavily on a visual imaginary is ISIS. Daesh has disseminated visual propaganda in multiple-language publications to expand its reach to a wider range of audience groups. This chapter aims to report on the results of the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the statehood images in the two publications. After identifying international norms for statehood as frameworks for evaluating Daesh’s visual arguments, the chapter analyzes the relationship between visuals and statehood in Dabiq and al-Naba’ within the context of those global frameworks. It shows Daesh’s reliance on international norms differs in its visual arguments for different target audiences. Statehood images constitute a prevalent visual strategy in Dabiq. Approximately 21 percent of the images appearing in all issues of the online magazine display statehood activity.
