A Study of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Social Media Communication: Major Trends, Key Themes and Propaganda Appeals

Abstract

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is one of the most potent and deadliest terrorist organization in Pakistan1. As respite to ongoing state operations, TTP has assumed active presence on social media to propagate its ideology and to recruit followers. This study offers an exclusive insight into the world of TTP online communication; examining major trends, key themes and propaganda appeals by analyzing TTP propaganda videos shared from Nov 2017-April 2020 on its official channel ‘Umar Media’. As applied discourse, the major aim of the study is founded in deconstructing online communication strategies of TTP by scrutinizing content and form of its messages that are portraying a negative view of Pakistan in the war against terror. The study found that TTP uses various propaganda techniques such as Plain Folks, Testimonials, Bandwagon, Card stacking and Name calling in its online content.