Truth and lies in the Caliphate: The use of deception in Islamic State propaganda

Abstract

Deception has a long history in information warfare. Recent technological advances have increased the ability of militants to utilize deception in propaganda, but this subject has not been the focus of much scholarly attention. This study remedies this shortcoming by conducting a case study of the Islamic State’s use of deception in propaganda, and identifies three types of deception: substantive, source, and spread. Additionally, this article discusses the rationales under which the group used these deceptive practices. In doing so, it provides a new framework for understanding deception that can be useful in future academic work. The study of deception can also help those fighting against these groups by providing them with a research-based understanding of how and when deception is likely to be used, which will allow them to better calibrate counter-messaging efforts.