L’adolescence comme objet de la propagande djihadiste

Abstract

The present study examines the impact of jihadist propaganda on adolescents as part of this larger project research on the extreme violence in the Middle East. The study aims to understand the psychological factors that motivate Lebanese adolescents to participate in and join jihadist groups such as the Islamic State (IS). Specifically, we hypothesized that the themes of war and brutality expressed by jihadist propaganda resonate with the adolescent tendency to express oneself through action, and that the themes of belonging and utopia respond to the need of adolescents to identify another society to which they can belong. To investigate these hypotheses, we first analyzed five jihadist propaganda short films from which we developed a semi-structured questionnaire inspired by the themes identified in these videos. In the present study, our preliminary results indicate no statistically significant difference in the themes endorsed by Christian and Muslim adolescents. Additionally, our descriptive analysis demonstrates striking similarities between the themes expressed by adolescents and the ones depicted in jihadist videos. In our larger study with a sample of 116 adolescents, we will statistically compare the differences in themes endorsed by adolescents and the ones depicted by jihadist propaganda. The tools used by jihadist propaganda are also highlighted, emphasizing its theological-political nature and its use of themes such as utopia, belonging, and violence to attract young people. IS propaganda is based on a binary view of the world, split between IS supporters and infidels, thus justifying violence in the name of religion. Jihadist propaganda leverages modern communication techniques, such as social media networks and the production of high-quality videos, to disseminate its message and recruit supporters among young people.