Brian S Petit

Chechen Use of the Internet in the Russo-Chechen Conflict Brian S Petit

The emergence of the Internet as a global information network has impacted the conduct of information operations. In their quest for independence from Russia, Chechens have made wide use of the Internet to influence the battlefield. This thesis examines how three Chechen-sponsored websites attempt to influence the Russo-Chechen conflict. The study methodology employed an instrument to describe the design, content, and behavior of the websites. Two websites were analyzed according to this methodology. The third website, by virtue of its unavailability for study, required a different analytical approach that yielded unique data. The thesis concludes that Chechen subgroups use the Internet differently to broadcast actions, mobilize, fund raise, communicate, and unite. The Internet, with its anonymity and ubiquity, offers advantages to small, endangered groups seeking a communications and information management network.