The financing of terrorist organizations is a significant problem for the national security agencies that monitor and suppress extremists’ activities and the entire world community. Investments that go to the needs of criminal groups are difficult to control because modern technologies make it possible to receive funds in a digital format, that is, without the direct participation of two parties. One of the instruments used to finance terrorists is the money that comes from the illegal sale of valuable resources, as a rule, oil. Keatinge and Danner (2019) cite the example of ISIS, an Islamic extremist organization that illegally supplies Middle Eastern oil to interested parties, thereby enriching itself. This method is also used by other criminal groups and includes the sale of coal, coca, and other natural resources that are available in individual regions and sold successfully in the black market.
Another common source is looting; terrorist organizations practice armed robberies to enrich themselves. As Keatinge and Danner (2019) note, bank looting is common in regions where extremists are active. This method is convenient for terrorists since it allows them to get quick money without significant effort due to their impunity and the population’s fear of the threat of death. Finally, sponsorship donations also make up a large source of income for extremist organizations. According to Keatinge and Danner (2019), terrorist accomplices, including both individuals and other criminal organizations, act as sponsors and donate weapons, money, and other resources. This method of financing is acceptable to extremists because, by profiting from sponsors, they expand their ranks with supporters and can count on the potential increase in the size of their groups.
Traditional media outlets play an essential role in today’s global war on terrorism. Akhundova and Boberg (2021) give the example of Joseph Mathenge, a photographer who captured vivid and scary snapshots during the terrorist attack on a shopping center in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2013. His shots were published in newspapers and magazines worldwide and caused a massive public response, drawing attention to the activities of extremists in Africa. In addition, the photograph’s bravery proved that the media were meant to serve people, and even a threat to life may not be an obstacle to highlighting socially important issues.
Nevertheless, one cannot argue that the announcement of terrorist acts, executions and other extremists’ criminal actions always benefit society. As one example of media publications causing severe problems, one can recall the sad case of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. Luengo and Ihlebæk (2019) analyze this case and describe the entire chronology of events. They state that after publishing a cartoon of one of the leaders of the aforementioned ISIS terrorist organization, a group of extremists attacked the publishing house in Paris (Luengo & Ihlebæk, 2019). During the attack, 12 people were killed, which was a tragedy not only for France but for the entire democratic world (Luengo & Ihlebæk, 2019). This case proves that in their quest to promote freedom of speech and independent views, the media can intensify terrorist aggression and exacerbate tense situations. However, the role of coverage of extremism remains high, and people agitated by constant terrorist attacks in different parts of the world have the right to know the truth. This knowledge concerns both the perpetrators of crimes and the work of national security agencies that fight this type of threat.
References
Akhundova, G., & Boberg, E. L. (2021). The right to know and the duty to protect: Terrorism and the media. IMS. Web.
Keatinge, T., & Danner, K. (2019). Assessing innovation in terrorist financing. Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 44(6), 455-472. Web.
Luengo, M., & Ihlebæk, K. A. (2019). Journalism, solidarity and the civil sphere: The case of Charlie Hebdo. European Journal of Communication, 34(3), 286-299. Web.