Author(s): Alina-Bianca COSCA
Publication name: Romanian Intelligence Studies Review
Publisher name: Mihai Viteazul National Intelligence Academy
Publication type: Journal article
Publication date: June 30, 2025
Pagination:
Issue/ Volume: 1 (33)/2025
DOI:
Abstract:
Violent islamist radicalization continues to be a factor of insecurity and social
instability. Starting from the theoretical framework offered by the theory of oppression
and F. M. Moghaddam’s radicalization model, the purpose of this paper is to highlight the
role the main elements of this theory can have in the propaganda of the terrorist
organization Islamic State and in the relationship between it and the radicalization
processes. More specifically, within the research carried out, we undertook a content
analysis based on the thematic coding employing codes and sub-codes resulting from the
theoretical framework. These codes were applied on the publications of the Islamic State,
Rumiyah, (issues 3-4/2016, 5-7/2017) and Voice of Khurasan (VoK) (issues 16/2022,
21/2022, 23/2023, 29/2023, 30/2023). The main findings of the research highlighted the
fact that: 1) perceived oppression has an effect on violent disinhibition, 2) there is a
similarity between the constituent elements of the theory of oppression and the
constituent elements on the basis of which propaganda and the IS message are created.
This similarity is highlighted in the use of specific terms (found in the sub-codes used for
content analysis), promoted in Rumiyah and VoK to describe those considered enemies,
but also in the way the attackers committed terrorist actions, using the most brutal forms
of violence against perceived oppressors.
Keywords: radicalization, propaganda, oppression, Rumiyah, Voice of
Khurasan.
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