Publication

This paper describes how the modern phenomena of rapid information flows, mass communications, and electronic capital transfers - features that usually contribute to a process of global democratization - have also allowed al-Qaida to increase the size and reach of its global terror network. The author argues that through the existence of the internet, satellite television, and electronic banking, al-Qaida has been able to operate in an internationally decentralized fashion and has been permitted to effectively and efficiently spread its extremist messages of hate and violence to radical groups around the world.