The Political Aesthetics of ISIS and Italian Futurism

Abstract

This paper compares the political aesthetics of ISIS and Italian Futurism, two movements that have used violence, technology, and spectacle to create a sense of awe and terror. I argue that both movements share a fascination with the power of the image, and that they use aesthetics to create a sense of legitimacy and authority.

In recent years, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has emerged as a major force in the Middle East. The group has gained notoriety for its use of extreme violence, including beheadings, crucifixions, and mass executions. ISIS has also been adept at using social media to spread its propaganda and recruit new members.

The Political Aesthetics of ISIS and Italian Futurism

by Thorsten Botz-Bornstein

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6508 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	228 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

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At first glance, ISIS may seem like a world away from the Italian Futurists, a group of avant-garde artists and writers who flourished in the early 20th century. However, a closer look reveals some striking similarities between the two movements.

Both ISIS and the Futurists are fascinated by the power of the image. They use images to create a sense of awe and terror, and to promote their respective ideologies.

ISIS uses images of violence to shock and intimidate its enemies. The group's propaganda videos often feature graphic footage of executions and other atrocities. These images are designed to instill fear and demoralize the enemy.

The Futurists also used images of violence to promote their ideology. They glorified war and celebrated the power of technology. Their paintings and sculptures often depicted scenes of battle and destruction.

Both ISIS and the Futurists see technology as a tool for achieving their goals. ISIS uses social media to spread its propaganda and recruit new members. The group also uses drones and other advanced technologies to carry out attacks.

The Futurists celebrated the power of technology and saw it as a way to create a new and better world. They believed that technology could be used to overcome the limitations of the human body and to create a new, more powerful species.

Finally, both ISIS and the Futurists use spectacle to create a sense of legitimacy and authority. ISIS often stages public executions and other events to demonstrate its power. The Futurists also used spectacle to promote their ideology. They organized rallies and exhibitions that featured their art and literature.

The political aesthetics of ISIS and Italian Futurism are strikingly similar. Both movements use violence, technology, and spectacle to create a sense of awe and terror. They also share a fascination with the power of the image and see it as a tool for achieving their goals.

This comparison highlights the importance of understanding the political aesthetics of these movements. By understanding their use of images, technology, and spectacle, we can better understand their motivations and goals.

The Political Aesthetics of ISIS and Italian Futurism

by Thorsten Botz-Bornstein

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6508 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	228 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE