Toward a Skinnerian interpretivist methodological approach for terrorist propaganda

Abstract

ObjectiveThis article revisits the prevalent use of content analysis for examining terrorist propaganda in response to the methodological stagnation and aims to propose a novel methodological framework for understanding terrorist propaganda.MethodBorrowing from Quentin Skinner's intellectual works and using a terrorist propaganda video as our case study, we construct an analytical framework and apply it into practice.ResultsThe application of this approach yields and enlightens a prevalent speech act of inviting performed through terrorist propaganda.ConclusionWe highlight the role of an innovative methodological approach that underscores the role of revolutionary political concepts in legitimizing violent jihadist activities.