“We Will Conquer Your Rome”: Italy and the Vatican in the Islamic State’s Propaganda

Abstract

Over the last few years, Italy has occupied a relatively marginal position with respect to the jihadist threat. Nonetheless, the propaganda of the Islamic State mentions Italy and the bordering Vatican with a seemingly disproportionate frequency. This article presents an in-depth analysis of all textual references in Dabiq and Rumiyah, the flagship magazines of this sophisticated jihadist organization. Overall, several mentions concern “Rome,” intended as a symbol for the West and Christianity and with a number of other meanings. However, there is no lack of potentially worrying references to Italy, Italians, the Vatican, and the Pope.