Information Operations: A Comparative Analysis of Al-Qaeda V.S. Islamic State (ISIS)

Abstract

This study focuses on each group’s utilization of information warfare regarding recruitment, radicalization, and influencing local and global populations. The paper identifies the strategic differences in their IO approaches. ISIS and Al-Qaeda have changed the global security landscape. The groups both utilize information operations to further their ideational, strategic, and even tactical goals. The qualitative analysis is conducted on primary secondary sources that include propaganda materials, social media campaigns, and expert reports. The content analysis and case studies are applied to analyze these groups’ information strategies. The results show that the scope of information operations differs; ISIS uses more aggressive and global media campaigns than Al-Qaeda, which uses more local and ideological zeal in its operations. Both remain good at using media for propaganda purposes. The information systems of Al-Qaeda and ISIS pose a great threat to humanity that should be taken seriously by the global powers.