Al-Shabaab's Media Insurgency, 2006-2016

Hate Speech International, a three year old, Norwegian-based independent network of journalists and researchers has just published a study titled "Continuity and Change: The Evolution and Resilience of Al-Shabab's Media Insurgency, 2006-2016" by Christopher Anzalone, research fellow at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

This excellent report examines the history and evolution of al-Shabaab's media operations capabilities and narrative messaging with particular attention to its strategic use and position within the insurgents' broader strategy of territorial control, survival, and rule in light of shifts on the ground inside Somalia. Since 2012, the report increasingly focuses on neighboring countries such as Kenya. The continuing evolution of al-Shabaab's media operations capabilities has proven to be a valuable tool in the insurgent group's overall strategy of territorial expansion and implementation of a form of rebel governance over certain areas of Somalia.