Media & Communication
“I say to you: that we are in a battle, and that more than half of this battle is taking place in the battlefield of the media.” –Ayman al-Zawahiri, the current leader of al-Qa`ida
Modern terrorists want a lot of people dead, and a lot of people watching. Media and communication tools are key to achieving that goal. Our research on the topic unpacks the role media and evolving communication tools, techniques, and technology plays for various terrorist organizations.
Major Reports
View AllSentinel Articles
View AllFebruary 28, 2025
Teenage Terrorists and the Digital Ecosystem of the Islamic State
August 13, 2024
A ‘Hotbed’ or a Slow, Painful Burn? Explaining Central Asia’s Role in Global Terrorism
March 21, 2024
Media Matters: How Operation Shujaa Degraded the Islamic State’s Congolese Propaganda Output
January 19, 2024
The Online Frontline: Decoding al-Shabaab’s Social Media Strategy
Perspectives
View AllJuly 20, 2018
Burying the Lede: The Islamic State Downsizes?
September 14, 2017
Militant Rivalries Extend to Female Recruitment in Pakistan
June 21, 2017
The Islamic State’s Internal Rifts and Social Media Ban
Media Coverage
View AllMay 30, 2017
CTC Director of Research featured by Vice News
March 23, 2017
USA Today features insight from CTC on London attack
Other Commentary
October 11, 2016
CTC publishes major report on Islamic State media
June 6, 2006
