The article published by Newsweek discusses the increasing
growth and threat of terrorism in a heavily globalized and interconnected world.
The spread and popularity of social media makes it easier than ever for
terrorism to spread its messages, create awareness, and recruit followers. The
article said the CIA finds it increasingly difficult to combat terrorism when
the perpetrators use social media because it allows them to spark reactions all
around the world. It also makes it so the attacks are decentralized which in
turn can make it hard to discover and prevent the plans from happening. ISIS
has taken advantage of this. ISIS spreads its videos of beheading journalist to
illustrate their message. They also use these videos to recruit members in
other nations. The article argues that because of globalization and new
technologies, terrorism is increasing and becoming a larger threat.
This week in class we discussed terrorism and its relation
to globalization. One theory we discussed relating to globalization causing terrorism
was technology. An increase and advancement in technology makes it much easier
for terrorist groups to recruit from around the world and ignore traditional
state borders. An increase in technology made it possible for ISIS to spread
their message and recruit members from other countries. New technology also made it possible for them
to instill fear in larger groups, for instance more people are able to see the
beheading videos therefore more people are aware of a growing threat. One could
argue that we have seen a growth in terrorism due to the new ideological war
and the increasing power of technology and social media. An inter-connected
world makes it easier to spread ideas and messages; these messages may be
considered terrorism depending on the group.
When you say, "these messages may be considered terrorism depending on the group", you are opening up a whole can of worms. So what groups are terrorists (and remember our discussion prior to break)?
ReplyDeleteYou also mention a new ideological war. Is the ideological war really new? Many (on both sides actually) trace it back to either the crusades or Muslim conquest in the 8th and 9th century. How new is this ideological war?
I agree with what Prof. Shirk said, in a way, and the crusades were the first thing I thought of after reading your post. Social media certainly allows for ideas and information to be spread more rapidly than before, but this is only perceived as "rapid" because of the episode of globalization that we were in. Ideological conflicts existed for centuries and the ideologies themselves are not exclusive to one region or another - it's not as if the Middle East has a monopoly on religious fanaticism. Thus, even though I agree that social media can be a very powerful tool for terrorist groups, the advent of social media (in my opinion) did not denote the beginning of organizations being able to spread their message and garner support from across the world.
ReplyDeleteI think one thing that I think also needs to be mentioned about terrorism growing through social media is that opposition is growing as well. Because technology has allowed for people to gain ready access to these videos, it can spark fires in the opposition to want to combat the growing terrorism. For example, although these groups may be isolated, the mass effect they are having causes great nations such as the U.S. to take them seriously and put an end to the terror. Although this is two-fold with a growth of danger, I think technology has stimulated growth on all parts of the spectrum of terrorism reaction.
ReplyDeleteI like what I am hearing, but one idea that is important to realize is that ISIS is using technology to its advantage by both using it and choosing to not use it better than any group before them. They have written guides explaining how not to use technology (i.e. cellphones, computers) when communicating. They also have written documents to train members around the world to spread messages on social media. They have a whole new doctrine on how to use unconventional tactics both on the battlefield and while using technology. This is one way that ISIS has become so successful.
ReplyDeleteI think what I meant with that comment is that with technology these ideas are spreading at an increasing rate. And depending on the person's point of view depends on whether or not they perceive it as a message with terrorist intent. I think that who is a terrorist largely depends on the group you're dealing with. The US considers ISIS a terrorist group but ISIS would probably view themselves as a legitimate actor with state ambitions.
ReplyDeleteWhile I do believe that the crusades is a good example of an ideological war. I was approaching this from a different view. I was thinking that in the twentieth century, a major conflict was an ideological war between capitalism and communism. After the Cold War ended the ideological war seems to focus more on terrorism.
I think the spread of technology can be used in many ways. And I agree that it can help both sides in this situation. I think Frank brought up a great point. Knowing when to use technology and when not to is effective for groups to deliver their message.
Frank definitely brings up interesting points and I agree with most everything said so far. Globalization has made it easier for radical groups to spread their message largely due to the global footprint of the United States and the West. Since the US is involved all over the world in military or diplomatic affairs, radical groups can point to more and more instances in which the US may be seen to be exploiting certain countries and thus fueling the radical response. If it were not for globalization, though radical groups might still hate the West, they would not be able to point to as many examples of "subjugation" or exploitation that in turn fuels violent extremism.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting how you said the CIA finds it difficult to combat terrorism because of the terrorists use of social media to spark reactions around the world. I personally feel that after a terrorist organization commits an act of terror or any organization for that matter does something deemed immoral the whole international community hears about it at once and usually collectively disapproves. Which I feel would in a way be a beneficial response. So I guess it is just interesting to see how the CIA sees social media as troublesome whereas I see it as a way for international news to spread.
ReplyDelete