The Digitalised Terrorism Ecology: A Systems Perspective

Abstract

This study uses a systematic review methodology to interpret existing literature on the digital dimensions of contemporary terrorism and counter-terrorism. Using the theory of synergetics as a guiding analytical framework, the study conducts meta-synthesis of relevant literature, including application of soft systems methodology (SSM), in order to generate conceptualisation of a digitalised terrorism ecology. This ecology comprises five interacting sub-systems: open digital infrastructure; digital information ecology; digital terrorism enactment; digital capabilities; and digital enslavement.

Keywords

• digital technologies
• digitalisation
• terrorism
• counter-terrorism
• synergetics
• soft systems methodology (ssm)
• sociomateriality
• digitalised terrorism ecology
• open digital infrastructure
• digital information ecology
• counter power
• digital terrorism enactment
• digital enslavement