An Exploration of Dabiq’s Strategies and Arguments to Persuade Its Readers of Joining and Supporting the Islamic State

Abstract

In recent years, ISIS has become one of the most notorious groups advocating and deploying violence for political reasons. Arguably, the internet has played a role in facilitating their rise as these groups have taken advantage of an opportunity to communicate directly with their audience. Using rhetorical analysis, frame analysis, and motive talk through justification techniques, this thesis analyzes how the Islamic State’s online publication Dabiq magazine attempts to persuade non-Arabic readers of directly or indirectly supporting and/or joining ISIS. Furthermore, this thesis provides a discussion that considers how both the form and the content of messaging in Dabiq works together in an effort to persuade the reader of an alternative view of the Islamic State group, a view that positions ISIS as legitimate and justified in their actions.