Abstract

The creation of Al Qaeda's online magazine Inspire has created a new security risk within the United States when it comes to potential terrorists. This project uses Ernest G. Bormann's fantasy theme analysis to determine the specific rhetorical strategies that Al Qaeda uses to attempt to recruit potential Muslim-American terrorists to join jihad. This study looks at 14 articles from the 6 editions of Inspire. This analysis suggests that Inspire uses three fantasy types to persuade its audience; A call to Islam, the West's suppression of Islam, and a call to jihad. Through these three fantasy types it is possible to understand how Al Qaeda may be attempting to persuade potential American terrorists.

Advisor

Bostdorff, Denise

Department

Communication Studies

Disciplines

Social Influence and Political Communication | Speech and Rhetorical Studies

Keywords

terrorism, fantasy theme analysis, religious extremism, al qaeda, rhetoric

Publication Date

2012

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

Download

Share

COinS
 

© Copyright 2012 Gregory Crocker