Terrorist propaganda and the role of media

In: Međunarodni problemi: International problems, Band 62, Heft 1, S. 113-135

Abstract

The author considers the basic elements of terrorist propaganda and targets terrorist groups wish to achieve by informing mass media on their acts. In the field of propaganda, they endeavor to point to their presence, objectives and positions by committing certain acts. Every terrorist act is planned so to make its symbolism clearer pointing to the positions of terrorists on some political issue. In order to commit a successful terrorist act it is necessary to carry out a long-term planning in the sphere of propaganda. For that purpose terrorists apply various strategies and tactics. The information of the public in some country on the committed terrorist act is the basic objective of terrorist groups. For this reason they attempt to, above all, attract attention of mass media. In the field of information, terrorism could be best fought by the establishment of co-operation between the government and media that should exchange information. This also implies that media should be more involved in the public diplomacy. .