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Twitter Influence And Cumulative Perceptions Of Extremist Support: A Case Study Of Geert Wilders, Gabrielle Blanquart, David M. Cook Dec 2013

Twitter Influence And Cumulative Perceptions Of Extremist Support: A Case Study Of Geert Wilders, Gabrielle Blanquart, David M. Cook

Australian Counter Terrorism Conference

The advent of Social media has changed the manner in which perceptions about power and information can be influenced. Twitter is used as a fast‐paced vehicle to deliver short, succinct pieces of information, creating the perception of acceptance, popularity and authority. In the case of extremist groups, Twitter is one of several avenues to create the perception of endorsement of values that would otherwise gain less prominence through mainstream media. This study examines the use of Twitter in augmenting the status and reputation of anti‐Islam and anti‐immigration policy through the controlled release of social media information bursts. The paper demonstrates …


The Syrian Calling: Western Jihad Recruitment And Martyrdom, Robyn Torok Dec 2013

The Syrian Calling: Western Jihad Recruitment And Martyrdom, Robyn Torok

Australian Counter Terrorism Conference

The crisis in Syria has attracted worldwide attention as well as condemnation and has degraded into a violent civil conflict. Not only are there more than a thousand rebel groups including a number of hard‐line jihadist groups operating within Syria, but these jihadist groups are attracting a significant number of foreigners including Australians. This study examined social media discourses from Facebook and embedded YouTube links for recruiting Westerners to the war in Syria. Findings suggest that the perceived inaction of the international community and in particular the West coupled with the atrocities committed has become a platform for jihadi recruitment. …


Cyberterrorism: Addressing The Challenges For Establishing An International Legal Framework, Krishna Prasad Dec 2012

Cyberterrorism: Addressing The Challenges For Establishing An International Legal Framework, Krishna Prasad

Australian Counter Terrorism Conference

The increase of international cyberterrorism in recent years has resulted in computer-based criminal activities that generate worldwide fear, destruction and disruption. National laws and policies that address cyberterrorism are mainly limited to developed nations and are not cohesive in managing 21st century cyberterrorism. Given the absence of an international legal framework to address cyberterrorism, authorities and governments around the world face extreme challenges in finding and prosecuting those responsible for cyberterrorism. This article argues for the need for a cohesive international legal framework; highlights key elements to establish an effective international legal framework; and identifies existing international treaties and cross-border …


The Emergence Of Boko Haram: An Analysis Of Terrorist Characteristics, Peter L. Lacey Dec 2012

The Emergence Of Boko Haram: An Analysis Of Terrorist Characteristics, Peter L. Lacey

Australian Counter Terrorism Conference

Boko Haram (BH) is a Nigerian extremist group which emerged only in the last decade, but has rapidly established a reputation for violence. This paper reviews the development and behaviour of BH in recent years, concluding that the group’s activities meet the definition of terrorism as systematic use of fear-evoking violence against civilians to achieve political goals. This characterisation is justified in terms of four definitional elements of terrorism, and further supported by comparison of BH with contemporary terrorist groups such as Abu Sayyaf Group and Caucasus Emirate, which espouse an ostensibly similar ideology. BH should not be mistaken for …


A Model Of Psychological Disengagement, Kira J. Harris Dec 2012

A Model Of Psychological Disengagement, Kira J. Harris

Australian Counter Terrorism Conference

This paper presents the preliminary findings of research into the disengagement from highly entitative and ideological social groups, such as one percent motorcycle clubs, military special forces and fundamental ideological groups. Using a grounded theory approach, the discourse of 25 former members identified the discrepancy between group membership and the self-concept as the core theme in the disengagement experience. This model presents the process of experiencing a threat, self-concept discrepancy and management, physical disengagement and the post-exit identity. The findings indicate a consistent experience of disengagement and allow further understanding to the factors influencing membership appraisal.


Commitment And The 1% Motorcycle Club: Threats To The Brotherhood, Kira J. Harris Dec 2012

Commitment And The 1% Motorcycle Club: Threats To The Brotherhood, Kira J. Harris

Australian Counter Terrorism Conference

The brotherhood ethos is the founding principle of the 1% motorcycle clubs community. Interviews with former members and partners show how threatening this social bond can reduce satisfaction and lead to doubts over involvement with the club.


Boko Haram: Terrorist Organization, Freedom Fighters Or Religious Fanatics? An Analysis Of Boko Haram Within Nigeria, An Australian Perspective And The Need For Counter Terrorism Responses That Involves Prescribing Them As A Terrorist Organization., Gabrielle Blanquart Dec 2012

Boko Haram: Terrorist Organization, Freedom Fighters Or Religious Fanatics? An Analysis Of Boko Haram Within Nigeria, An Australian Perspective And The Need For Counter Terrorism Responses That Involves Prescribing Them As A Terrorist Organization., Gabrielle Blanquart

Australian Counter Terrorism Conference

The adoption of Sharia law and the creation of an Islamic government are prominent motivations for religious terrorism within the current climate. Throughout history, Nigeria has been exposed to ethno religious violence and political discontent and has recently seen an escalation in associated violence threatening its sovereignty, territorial integrity, peace and stability. This paper explores Boko Haram, a Nigerian Islamist sect, responsible for numerous attacks in northern and central Nigeria on infrastructure and people. The origins and ideological motivations of this group are examined and compared to the current wave of religious terrorism in relation to tactics, leadership and objectives. …


Al-Jihad Fi Sabilillah: In The Heart Of Green Birds, Robyn Torok Dec 2012

Al-Jihad Fi Sabilillah: In The Heart Of Green Birds, Robyn Torok

Australian Counter Terrorism Conference

With an increasing focus on lone-wolf operations, al-Qaeda is becoming increasingly focussed on its internet discourses and propaganda. One of its most significant discourses is the importance of jihad and martyrdom in carrying out a terrorist attack. This study looks at Facebook pages and profiles and examines the discourses presented in relation to jihad and martyrdom. Three important concepts including their justification are considered: Al-Jihad fi Sabilillah (just fight for the sake of Allah), Istishhad (operational heroism of loving death more than the West love life) and Shaheed (becoming a martyr). Results supported previous studies indicating the strong seductive nature …


“Make A Bomb In Your Mums Kitchen”: Cyber Recruiting And Socialisation Of ‘White Moors’ And Home Grown Jihadists, Robyn Torok Nov 2010

“Make A Bomb In Your Mums Kitchen”: Cyber Recruiting And Socialisation Of ‘White Moors’ And Home Grown Jihadists, Robyn Torok

Australian Counter Terrorism Conference

As a consequence of the war on terror, al-Qaeda and associated jihad groups have evolved and made increasing use of internet technologies for cyber recruitment. Recently, there has been an increasing focus on recruiting home grown terrorists who can more easily escape the scrutiny of cross border entries. Case study analysis indicates that links do exist between cyber tools, radicalisation and terrorism, however, the strength and nature of these relationships is generally unclear. Evidence does seem to support that cyber tools are most significant in the initial phases of recruitment and radicalisation. Coupled with this is the strong evolution of …