Between the Pen and the Sword: The Global Islamic Media Front in the West

Abstract

This article undertakes a descriptive analysis of the jihadist group, the Global Islamic Media Front. Using information obtained from cells broken up in the West, it argues that, in addition to its propaganda actions in support of terrorism, the group fulfils three additional functions: (a) It serves as an “identity refuge” for individuals wishing to cultivate an identity as fighters of the jihad; (b) It offers a form of “surrogate activism” to those who fail in their attempts to join organisations engaged in terrorist violence; and (c) It is an important source of violent radicalisation for its own members who become increasingly dissatisfied with their propaganda activities.