E-raamat: Islamic State, Media, and Propaganda: Performances of the 'Visual Caliphate'

This marvellously innovative book on the performance of the Islamic States modern stateness in its official videos is a pathbreaker in a field inundated with literature on the group. The authors have produced a methodologically systematic and empirically rich analysis that is both academically rigorous and engagingly written. -- Rashmi Singh, Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, Brazil This in-depth study of the visual representation of the so-called ISIS caliphate in Iraq and Syria addresses a key gap in our understanding of the functionality of this terror organization. Focusing on videos released by key ISIS-linked propaganda outlets, the book demonstrates that through its visual propaganda this terror group staged a theatrical performance of modern stateness. Therefore, this study adds significantly to our understanding of the innovative character of ISIS propaganda and should be recommended reading not only for counter-terrorism practitioners and researchers but also for deradicalization professionals. -- Hans Jakob Schindler, Counter Extremism Project A profound and illuminating insight into the stateness of a notorious predatory terrorist organisation, the Islamic State. This book brilliantly depicts the visual Caliphate through camera lens and extracts the true colours of the jihadi propaganda from IS-released videos. This is a must-read for anyone that strives towards a proper understanding of violence and terrorism in the age of staggering visualization of political and social performances. -- Artur Gruszczak, Jagiellonian University, Krakow This book offers a profound and meticulously researched examination of IS's strategic use of visual propaganda while providing invaluable insights into modern stateness and radicalization. This essential work is highly recommended for researchers and students, as it delves deeply into the complexities of ISs state-building efforts and their implications on global security. -- Boaz Ganor, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors, International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT), Reichman University, Israel Moving beyond the traditional focus on Islamic States (IS) visual propaganda content, Khawaja and Kaunert explore the projections of key IS state-like features in its official videos. The book offers many novel methodological and empirical contributions to the ongoing debate on whether or not IS should be considered a state. -- Oldrich Bures, Metropolitan University Prague, Czechia