The transformative effect of cyberspace on terrorism : the case of Islamic terrorism

The thesis is titled "The Transformative effect of cyberspace on terrorism: The case of Islamic terrorism". It analyses the phenomenon of cyberterrorism and whether information and communication technologies (ICTs) affect terrorism. The aim is to identify the impact that these technologies - and cyberspace in general have at the operational level of terrorism. The thesis adopts a holistic approach to identify how terrorism and cyberspace interact. The theoretical framework is based on Rapoport's wave theory of terrorism. The wave theory is the best fit for examining the thesis's key research question: if cyberterrorism constitutes the fifth terrorist wave. Thus, the extensive analysis of the transformative effect of cyberterrorism at the operational level is based on the above theory. It analyzes the empirical evidence at the operational level of the two case studies, Al Qaeda, and ISIS. It reviews the full spectrum of their activities in cyberspace based on the 'Digital Jihad' model, to trace their evolution through their operational actions. It also reviews the securitization theory of cyberspace by the European Union and the emergence of its strategies and policies on countering cyberterrorism. The thesis concludes that Rapoport's theory is only partly applicable in the cases examined. In particular, in relation to the ideological backgrounds, the cases of Al Qaeda and ISIS are placed in the Religious wave. In relation to the rest of the criteria - the use of violence or the threat of use of violence in order to achieve a political goal, the international character and impact of their terrorist actions, the existence of the wave after a catalytic event (9/11 and global war on terror), the extensive use of digital technology as a means at the operational level and the creation of a new political reality (creation of Caliphate) - it is safe to conclude that Al Qaeda and ISIS are placed in the fifth wave of terrorism.