Citation

Hedges JW. J. Appl. Secur. Res. 2008; 3(1): 71.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J530v03n01_07

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The decentralized, loosely networked structure of today's international jihadist organizations is hard to imagine without the advent of the Internet. In addition to aiding jihadists' ability to communicate and spread propaganda, the Internet effectively makes the proven tactics of experienced insurgent and terrorist groups common knowledge. This fundamental alteration of the learning curve presents a serious problem for counter-terrorism officials worldwide. However, a pragmatic look at jihadist use of the Internet shows that there are costs inherent in its use, just as there are benefits, and while it has forever altered the rules of the game, it has not changed the nature of the game itself.

Keywords: Internet; terrorism; al Qaeda; asymmetric warfare; international terrorism; counterterrorism; insurgency; counterinsurgency; international jihadist movement; Islamist movement