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DPI annual report documents Islamist influence: Trends, Social media and Networks

The new annual report by the Documentation Centre Political Islam (DPI) analyses Islamist phenomena and their spread in the public sphere. In 2024, Islamist propaganda was not only visible on social media, but also increasingly on the streets of Austria. The trivialisation of or open expressions of sympathy for Islamist terrorist organisations such as Hamas, as well as the rejection of pluralistic democratic values, remain an integral part of religious extremist ideologies.

Transnational actors of political Islam are attempting to influence society in Europe and thus also in Austria. The contributions to the DPI report make it clear that the dissemination of religiously extremist content is increasingly taking place in a hybrid form – via online media, street campaigns, pop culture, mosques and educational institutions. It is part of the strategy of Islamist movements to reinterpret any criticism of political Islam as an attack on religion and on the Muslim community as a whole – and they are quite successful in doing so: in some parts of society, there are signs of a worrying shift away from the free and secular way of life. Western democracies are demonised, anti-Semitic resentment is stirred up and narratives legitimising violence are promoted – for example, through media channels that can be attributed to Islamist actors.

The West as a common enemy

The DPI report shows how actors of political Islam are increasingly overcoming ideological differences in favour of a more effective fight against common enemies – such as the West, secularism, established media or gender equality. This promotes the spread of a divisive worldview and an undifferentiated portrayal of the West as an oppressor of the Muslim community, and drives forward the establishment of a counter-model to liberal-pluralistic society. Networks of political Islam, in which joint ventures are organised, further promote this development.

Islamist narratives and the digital space

Numerous influencers from various strands of political Islam are active in the digital space. They direct their propaganda primarily, but not exclusively, at young people. Geopolitical developments such as the Israel-Palestine conflict or the HTS takeover in Syria are used by Islamist groups to spread religiously extremist narratives. These in turn serve as a vehicle for spreading their radical ideology. Texts, images and videos are circulating on social media that serve primarily to mobilise emotions. Terror is thus relativised or even glorified, while criticism of Islamist tendencies is dismissed outright as ‘Islamophobia’. This prevents urgently needed open debate and deliberately aims to blur the boundaries between religious practice and religious extremism.

The analyses and documentation in the report reveal Islamist influence at various levels. Geopolitical events are being exploited by actors from various strands of political Islam, which also has an impact on Muslim communities in Austria. There is a growing trend towards lifestyle offerings that promote a fundamentalist way of life. Open rejection of secularism also promotes polarisation and division within society and undermines trust in democratic institutions. Islamist actors deliberately attempt to immunise themselves against criticism by equating legitimate religion with politically extremist ideologies," says Lisa Fellhofer, Director of the Documentation Centre Political Islam.

Islamist propaganda on the streets

In 2024, Islamist statements, messages and symbols were increasingly visible not only on social media but also in public life in Austria, especially in urban areas. This was evident in the increased presence of graffiti, posters and stickers, as well as in the marketing of lifestyle products. In this growing business sector, well-connected actors skilfully exploit youth cultural preferences, practices and codes to generate connectivity. For example, the red triangle used by the terrorist organisation Hamas to mark enemies, as well as other problematic slogans, codes and symbols, were noticeable on various facades and posters. In this context, an intensification of cooperation between religious extremist and anti-imperialist groups can also be observed. The ideological alliance of these movements is directed primarily against the West.

Companies with a Salafist background no longer sell their fashion and other lifestyle products online only, but also in their own shops. In addition to clothing and textiles, some of which feature Islamist slogans or symbols, relevant literature is often offered. Influencers with a wide reach spread an Islamist worldview that ranges from simple everyday questions to the advocacy of terrorism. They are also strongly networked within a Salafist ecosystem.

DPI focuses on research collaborations and networking

Since its establishment in July 2020, the Documentation Centre has attached great importance to cooperation with renowned institutions and individuals from the academic world. Over the past five years, more than 30 publications have been released, with contributions from numerous external researchers. The current DPI report features several guest contributions highlighting detailed developments covering a wide range of phenomena. Among other things, it addresses the situation of the Christian community in the Middle East, developments in Turkey and attitudes towards socially relevant issues. The report makes it clear that currents of political Islam are steadily expanding their impact and influence in Austria and Europe through a combination of digital and analogue strategies, the use of youth culture codes and the expansion of transnational networks.

The further expansion of cooperation in the field of research is an important cornerstone for the Documentation Centre in order to make the best possible progress in the prevention of extremism.

Presentation of the DPI Annual Report on August 28 2025

DPI-Jahresbericht 2024