Kitsch in Terrorist Organisations’ Strategies: Weapon of Mass Deception

The chapter looks at the use of kitsch in terrorist propaganda. After the literature review on the core characteristics of terrorism and the tools that can be used to justify this method of reaching political goals, including PR methods and, consequently, radicalisation to terrorist activity, the authors attempt to answer the questions regarding the common patterns in kitsch experience deployment by the two analysed, historically and geographically different terrorist organisations (Red Army Faction and ISIS), the use of kitsch experience by other terrorist organisations regardless of their ideology, and the use of kitsch-experience-based solutions in anti-terrorist education campaigns and, in a broader sense, countering radicalisation and preventing recruitment to terrorist organisations. The qualitative analysis approach of the study allows for presentations of varied forms of kitsch experience as tools for promoting terrorist communication, reaching vulnerable audiences, and creating a breeding ground for radicalisation of prospective recruits of terrorist organisations. The answers to research questions show commonalities in using kitsch experience as a tool that boosts the effectiveness of terrorist propaganda, among which the following are found: (1) using of simplification and stereotypical imagery to appeal to mass audiences; (2) employing simplistic narratives reducing complex geopolitical issues to a binary conflict between good and evil; (3) use of persuasive, often gruesome, imagery and language to evoke fear, anger, and hatred; and (4) the portrayal of terrorists as heroes or martyrs. The research outcome also shows the need for further research into disrupting these echo chambers and minimising their negative influence.