National identity and nationalism in the speeches of Osama Bin Laden

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] National identity and nationalism have long been utilized by political leaders to control state territory. Stateless terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda also draw upon notions of national identity to make claims to territory. This study explores how Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden invokes images of national identity and nationalism in speeches to further al-qaeda's base and gain more control of territory. Content analysis of the transcripts of Osama bin Laden's speeches was done to uncover defined themes of territory and national identity. These findings have implications for our understanding terrorist goals and the relationship between terrorist leaders and followers.