2022/08/04 by Alta Grobbelaar · 7 citations
Social Sciences · Computer Science · #Terrorism, Counterterrorism, and Political Violence #Cybercrime and Law Enforcement Studies #Crime, Deviance, and Social Control #Militant #Cyberspace #Terrorism #Mainstream #Surprise #Insurgency #Jihadism #Political science #Information Operations #Media studies #Social media #Political economy #Criminology #Sociology #Law #The Internet #Politics #Computer science #Ideology
paper · doi:10.1177/09750878221114375
published in Insight on Africa 15(1), 7-22 (SAGE Publishing)
openalex publication_date 2022/08/04 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21
It is no surprise to come across information or video on social or mainstream media that was posted by a terrorist organisation like Al-Shabaab. In this regard, researchers have attempted to answer the question of what terrorist organisations aim to achieve by gaining a strong foothold in cyberspace. This article explores the evolution of Al-Shabaab in terms of their media usage and presence—from a local insurgency using magazines and radio stations, to what can be described as a media mogul in Africa. The author explores how and why this group chooses to pursue a strong cyber presence, and what, if anything, Africa and the international community can do about it.