ABSTRACT
A few striking factors distinguish the new generation of jihadi fighters from all previous ones: (i) the ability to connect globally at almost zero cost; (ii) the capacity to share knowledge online and offline; and, more recently, (iii) the effective utilization of disinformation tactics to spread toxic ideologies and narratives. It is unprecedented that, within months of social media’s recent—and largely ineffective—campaigns to combat fake news and disinformation, Jihadi experts were able to develop a new propaganda theory and test a number of measures that proved to be highly effective in spreading disinformation leading to violence. This chapter examines this new propaganda strategy. It demonstrates that while jihad is and will remain the cause that unifies committed and devoted jihadi groups, this generation is deploying a more “public-friendly” media strategy in which disinformation plays a key role.
