What is it about?

This study looks at how ISIS used films to send messages during its rise and after it started losing power. By analyzing two of their films, Flames of War I and Flames of War II, the research shows that ISIS changed its messaging depending on its situation. The first film targeted the United States and the global coalition as part of psychological warfare, while the second encouraged its supporters and fighters to stay patient after defeats. The study suggests that fighting ISIS today is more about countering its ideas and messages than just weapons, and that limiting its access to technology is a key strategy.

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Why is it important?

This study is unique because it analyzes ISIS propaganda through full-length films, rather than short online videos or written texts, offering a deeper look into how the group communicates its messages. It is timely because it compares ISIS’ messaging from its peak to its decline, showing how propaganda strategies shift when a group loses power. Understanding these changes can help governments, media, and the public respond more effectively to extremist messaging today.

Perspectives

From my perspective, this study highlights the power of visual media in shaping narratives, even for extremist groups like ISIS. Analyzing films rather than just online posts reveals how carefully these messages are crafted to influence different audiences. I find it particularly important that the research shows the shift in propaganda from aggressive intimidation to motivating internal supporters, which underlines that the battle against extremist ideologies is not just physical but also psychological and technological. This insight makes the study both relevant and valuable for media researchers, policymakers, and anyone interested in countering extremist messaging.

Dr Daleen AL Ibrahim
Damascus University

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: The ISIS’ Discourse from the Rise to the Collapse: Analysis of ISIS’ Discourse through Films ‘Flames of War I & II’, Media Watch, May 2019, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.15655/mw/2019/v10i2/49633.
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