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
May 3, 2012
Letters from Abbottabad: Bin Ladin Sidelined?
July 10, 2009
The Power of Truth
Sentinel 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
Primary Sources
View AllSeptember 30, 2016
Orientation for Media Officials and Representatives
Media Coverage
View AllOctober 11, 2016
CTC report featured in the New York Times
February 22, 2016
CTC Sentinel article draws national, international media attention
November 30, 2015
