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Symbolism in Terrorism

Motivation, Communication, and Behavior

Jonathan Matusitz

The symbolic value of targets is what differentiates terrorism from other forms of extreme violence. Terrorism is designed to inflict deep psychological wounds on an enemy rather than demolish its material ability to fight. The September 11, 2001 attacks, for example, demonstrated the power of symbolism. The World Trade Center was targeted by Al Qaeda because the Twin Towers epitomized Western civilization, U.S. imperialism, financial success, modernity, and freedom.

The symbolic character of terrorism is the focus of this textbook. A comprehensive analysis, it incorporates descriptions, definitions, case studies, and theories. Each chapter focuses on a specific dimension of symbolism in terrorism and explains the contexts and processes that involve the main actors as well as the symbolism of both the purposes and targets of terrorism. Also discussed are new religious movements, which represent another important aspect of terrorism, such as Aum Shinrikyo, the Japanese cult that used sarin gas in the Tokyo subway in 1995.

Over forty areas of symbolism are covered throughout the chapters, including physical and non-physical symbolism, linguistic symbolism, the social construction of reality, rituals, myths, performative violence, iconoclasm, brand management, logos, semiotics, new media, and the global village. This allows for an in-depth examination of many issues, such as anti-globalization, honor killing, religious terrorism, suicide terrorism, martyrdom, weapons, female terrorism, public communication, visual motifs, and cyberspace. Main concepts are clearly defined, and followed by theory illustrated by international case studies. Chapter summaries, key points, review questions, research and practice suggestions are recurring components as well. This groundbreaking text encompasses all major aspects of symbolism in terrorism and will be an essential resource for anyone studying terrorism.

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Pages: 354 • Trim: 7¼ x 10

978-1-4422-3577-9 • Hardback • September 2014 • $133.00 • (£102.00)

978-1-4422-3578-6 • Paperback • September 2014 • $67.00 • (£52.00)

978-1-4422-3579-3 • eBook • September 2014 • $63.50 • (£49.00)

Subjects: Political Science / Terrorism, Political Science / Security (National & International)

Symbolism in Terrorism

Motivation, Communication, and Behavior

Hardback

Paperback

eBook

Summary

The symbolic value of targets is what differentiates terrorism from other forms of extreme violence. Terrorism is designed to inflict deep psychological wounds on an enemy rather than demolish its material ability to fight. The September 11, 2001 attacks, for example, demonstrated the power of symbolism. The World Trade Center was targeted by Al Qaeda because the Twin Towers epitomized Western civilization, U.S. imperialism, financial success, modernity, and freedom.

The symbolic character of terrorism is the focus of this textbook. A comprehensive analysis, it incorporates descriptions, definitions, case studies, and theories. Each chapter focuses on a specific dimension of symbolism in terrorism and explains the contexts and processes that involve the main actors as well as the symbolism of both the purposes and targets of terrorism. Also discussed are new religious movements, which represent another important aspect of terrorism, such as Aum Shinrikyo, the Japanese cult that used sarin gas in the Tokyo subway in 1995.

Over forty areas of symbolism are covered throughout the chapters, including physical and non-physical symbolism, linguistic symbolism, the social construction of reality, rituals, myths, performative violence, iconoclasm, brand management, logos, semiotics, new media, and the global village. This allows for an in-depth examination of many issues, such as anti-globalization, honor killing, religious terrorism, suicide terrorism, martyrdom, weapons, female terrorism, public communication, visual motifs, and cyberspace. Main concepts are clearly defined, and followed by theory illustrated by international case studies. Chapter summaries, key points, review questions, research and practice suggestions are recurring components as well. This groundbreaking text encompasses all major aspects of symbolism in terrorism and will be an essential resource for anyone studying terrorism.

Details

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Pages: 354 • Trim: 7¼ x 10

978-1-4422-3577-9 • Hardback • September 2014 • $133.00 • (£102.00)

978-1-4422-3578-6 • Paperback • September 2014 • $67.00 • (£52.00)

978-1-4422-3579-3 • eBook • September 2014 • $63.50 • (£49.00)

Subjects: Political Science / Terrorism, Political Science / Security (National & International)

Author

Jonathan Matusitz is a tenured associate professor in the Nicholson School of Communication at the University of Central Florida. He has also taught at a NATO-affiliated military base in Belgium and is doing research on suicide terrorism for the Ministry of Defense in India. In 2011, his research was cited by the U.S. Supreme Court. His most recent book is Terrorism and Communication: A Critical Introduction (2012).

Table of Contents

Introduction

1. What Is Symbolism?
Symbol: Origin of the Word
Symbolism: General Description
Anthroposemiosis
Meaning-Making
Symbol vs. Sign
Three Categories of Symbols
Physical Symbols
Nonphysical Symbols
Summary

2. Interpreting Symbolism in Terrorism: A First Step
Definition of Terrorism
Defining Terrorism with Symbolic Elements
Terrorism as Performative Violence
Terrorism as a Transnational Injustice Symbol
Linguistic Symbolism in Terrorism: Irish and Arabic
Linguistic Symbolism in Terrorism: Name-Giving Codes
Terror Glorification: Symbolic Palestinian Terrorists
Terror Glorification: Symbolic Timing
September 11, 1565, September 11, 1683, and September 11, 1697
April 19, 1993
Summary

3. Symbolic Targets
Targets of Terrorism
Impact on the Audience
Attacking Sacred Symbols: Iconoclasm
Clash of Civilizations
The World Trade Center as a Symbolic Target
Blowback Theory
Liquid Modernity
Westoxification
Anti-Globalization
Anti-Multiculturalism
Summary

4. The Symbolic Culture of Terrorism
Culture: Definition
Symbolic Interactionism
Organizational Culture
Positive Cult vs. Negative Cult
Ritual
Ritual Terrorism
Honor Killing
Summary

5. Myth in Symbolic Terrorism
Myth: Description
Symbolic DNA of Terrorism
Symbolic Convergence Theory (SCT)
Symbolic Cue, Fantasy Type, and Saga
Case Study of SCT: Earth Liberation Front (ELF)
Case Study of SCT: Hezbollah
Symbolic Trinity
Symbolic Trinity and Propaganda
Symbolic Trinity and Myth Fabrication
Case Study of the Symbolic Trinity: Nazism
Case Study of the Symbolic Trinity: Maharashtrian Terrorism
Summary

6. Symbolic Place and Territory in Terrorism
Place and Territory as Symbolism
Ethnonationalism
Terra Sancta
Persuasive Cartography
Terrorist Murals
Case Study I: Murals in Northern Ireland
Case Study II: Murals in the Palestinian Territories
Summary

7. Symbolism in Religious Terrorism: General Perspectives
Religious Terrorism
Five Principles of Religion
Threat of Secularization
Good vs. Evil
Dar al-Islam vs. Dar al-Harb
Dehumanization of Enemies
Contrast Symbols and Totalism
Violent New Religious Movements (VNRMs)
Case Study of VNRM: Aum Shinrikyo
Supernatural Forces in Warfare
Summary

8. Hindu, Sikh, Christian, and Jewish Terrorism
Hindu Terrorism
Tamil Tigers
Sikh Terrorism
Christian Terrorism
Jewish Terrorism
Summary

9. Islamist Terrorism
Global Support for Islamist Terrorism
Violence against Unbelievers in the Qur’an
Symbolic Meanings of Jihad
Salafi Symbolism
The Caliphate: Symbol of Global Domination
Islamic Revival
The Muslim Brotherhood
The Mahdi
Summary

10. Symbolism in Suicide Terrorism
Suicide Terrorism: Description
Brief History and Statistics on Suicide Terrorism
Case Study: Kurdistan Workers’ Party
Weapon of Mass Persuasion
Categories of Suicide Terrorism
Martyrdom
Istishhad
Status Symbol
Culture of Death
Sacrifice
Hunger Strike as Martyrdom
Summary

11. Symbolism of Terrorist Weapons
Terrorist Weapons: General Perspectives
Examples of Symbolic Terrorist Weapons
Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs)
The Sword in Islamist Culture
Islamist Beheadings
Four Categories of Beheading
Gender Communal Terrorism
Twelve Symbolic Reasons for War Rape
Summary

12. Symbolism in Female Terrorism
Facts on Female Terrorism
Gender Role Reversal
Female Terrorism as Continuity of the Fight
Female Terrorism as Strategic Desirability
Female Terrorism as Revenge
Female Terrorism as Restoration of Honor
Female Terrorism as Change
Beautiful Female Terrorists
Summary

13. Brand Management in Terrorism
Public Communication
Brand Management
Case Study: The Brand of Hezbollah
Appropriation of Symbols
Case Study I: Islamist Terrorism
Case Study II: Shining Path
Terrorists’ Dress Code as Brand Management
Keffiyeh: Brand of Palestinian Resistance
Terrorist Chic
Summary

14. Visual Motifs in Islamist Terrorism
Visual Motifs
Conceptual Metaphor Theory
Case Study I: Waterfalls
Case Study II: Hands
Case Study III: The Color Black
Low Context vs. High Context
Case Study I: Lions
Case Study II: Doves
Summary

15. Semiotic Analysis of Terrorism
Definition of Semiotics
Saussurean Semiotics
Peircean Semiotics
Case Study of Peircean Semiotics: 9/11
The Icon-Index-Symbol Triad
Case Study of Icon-Index-Symbol: Munich Massacre
Summary

16. Symbolic Terrorism in the Global Village
Global Village
New Media-Oriented Terrorism
E-Jihad
Three Stages of E-Jihad Indoctrination
YouTube Effect
Virtual Caliphate
Sikh Separatists’ Websites
Extreme-Right Groups in Cyberspace
Kamikaze Cyberpunk
Summary

Glossary

Reviews

This text is so well organized, so well written, and so important, that it should not be limited to college students; it cries out to be read by everyone. We are all involved in terrorism whether as war fighters, potential victims, or as government officials sworn to protect us. Symbolism in Terrorism explains to us what we are up against and why. . . .Symbolism in Terrorism is filled with examples and case studies that provide insight to why terrorists do what they do. . . .I believe anyone who reads this text will be more self-assured and qualified to discuss terrorism. I highly recommend this text and suggest that the State Department, the Department of Defense, the CIA, and others tasked with our defense make it mandatory reading.
— Watchdog Wire

[An] interesting and innovative textbook....
— Perspectives on Terrorism

This is the most theoretically sound constructed textbook I have ever encountered concerning the semiotics of terrorism, a much neglected subject. Hence, Symbolism in Terrorism will become a classic, a canonical text for those seeking to understand how terrorists communicate their violence. Professor Matusitz has written a tour de force concerning THE semiotics of terrorism. His sweeping knowledge and profound fluency in a number of languages opens the door to understanding ideology, symbolism, culture and violence against a background of even-handedness and profound thinking. Every scholar and student of terrorism including law enforcement, the military, psychologists, and researchers will be indebted to Professor Matusitz for this encyclopedic text.

— Nancy Hartevelt Kobrin, Ph.D., Psychoanalyst and Counter Terrorist Expert, Fellow, The American Center for Democracy

This latest book by Jonathan Matusitz builds upon his well-researched and interesting material produced on communicational aspects concerning terrorists and terrorism. The current book concerns itself with the topic of symbolism in terrorism, giving a comprehensive and balanced academic treatment of the topic from numerous angles. This is an invaluable book on the different issues played by symbolism in terrorism, giving a novel communicational approach where non-verbal cues are every bit as important as the verbal ones. I believe that it will serve as an excellent source of knowledge on this highly actual topic for researchers and students alike.

— Greg Simons, Uppsala University and the Swedish National Defence College

A remarkably comprehensive volume that systematically maps a largely unchartered territory and urges the reader to venture deeper and inculcates an understanding beyond the obvious. A nuanced discussion on the symbolic interpretation of terrorism along with well-illustrated case studies make the book an indispensable resource for all those engaged in exploring the terrorism phenomenon.

— Updesh Kumar, Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR), DRDO, India

Symbolism in Terrorism

Motivation, Communication, and Behavior

Jonathan Matusitz

Symbolism in Terrorism

Motivation, Communication, and Behavior

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