Advance of the Black Flags: Symbolism, Social Identity, and Psychological Operations in Violent Conflict

The United States is involved in an ambiguous and amorphous conflict. Violent extremist groups direct honor challenges at the United States, exhibiting a particularly sophisticated command of psychological warfare tools. These extremists utilize symbolism and rituals to announce their adherence to an exclusive, violent ideology. Their distribution of video executions is a new iteration of ritualistic sacrifice and cleansing, and the United States is consistently identified as their enemy. Conducting both military and religious rituals under the black shahada flag, the Islamic State in particular constructs their identity in direct opposition to the foundational ideologies of the United States and its allies. Far from being simple recruitment commercials, these videos directly challenge the United States in an attempt to compromise its values and reputation. Images inspire ideologies, and ideas inspire action. This use of media to influence attitudes and behavior is a form of psychological warfare directed at the United States and its allies.[1] The United States is habitually reluctant to attempt to influence the other cultures’ attitudes, often deferring to conventional, kinetic military solutions to such complex problems.[2] However, the United States has successfully defeated such ideologies in the past, challenging violent adversaries by asserting its own identity in ways that disrupt the adversary’s reputation and ability to influence attitudes.[3] This has included the use of psychological operations to disrupt conditions that allow violent ideologies to flourish.[4] Drawing on America’s historical ability to engage opposing ideologies, success in this particular conflict means approaching it as a true war of ideas. Such an approach would acknowledge the need for ideological assertions to accompany kinetic force.[5] Research shows that symbolism, rituals, and music are universal tools of social construction and persuasion. Humans are uniquely affected by imagery , and rituals and symbolism use imagery to connect simple physical forms with more complex ideas and ideologies.[6] Video and film are powerful media that broadcast images instantly, influencing humans’ perceptions of events and relationships. Music, in particular, is shown to be a powerful, universal social phenomenon that constructs and reinforces group identities.[7] These media are used by all groups to great effect when constructing their identity, and violent extremist groups utilize me