Authors: Brian McQuinn, Assistant Professor, International Studies, University of Regina and Laura Courchesne, PhD Candidate, International Relations, University of Oxford
In the coming weeks, trials will begin for more than 400 people accused of attacking the United States Capitol.
Was the siege chaotic, impromptu and disorganized, or was it the work of a well-planned force of far-right militias, as mounting evidence suggests? Can an attack be both chaotic and planned?
We study insurgencies, and not only is it possible, but it’s very common. Drawing on our research, here are four insights into the events of Jan. 6 and the future of far-right violence in the U.S.
Published 12 April 2021
The Islamic State is often credited with pioneering the use of social media in conflict, having created a global brand that drew between 20,000 and 40,000 volunteers from at least 85 countries. Social media served as a key recruiting tool, source of fundraising, and platform for disseminating graphic propaganda to a global audience. Laura Courchesne and Brian McQuinn write that the Islamic State perfected tactics and strategies already widely used by hundreds of other armed groups.
The Islamic State is often credited with pioneering the use of social media in conflict, having created a global brand that drew between 20,000 and 40,000 volunteers from at least 85 countries. Social media served as a key recruiting tool, source of fundraising, and platform for disseminating graphic propaganda to a global audience. Laura Courchesne and Brian McQuinn write in