Reframing the Campaign: From Egypt’s Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis to Wilayat Sinai, Islamic State’s Sinai Province

Abstract

The article employs collective action framing theory to explore Egyptian violent Islamist group Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis’s (ABM’s) frames, which altered when it became Islamic State’s Sinai Province (IS-SP), Wilayat Sinai (WS). Using data from 40 videos and audio recordings released by the group in all three of its forms (al-Tawhid Wal-Jihad/TWJ, ABM, and WS), along with additional material disseminated by Islamic State Central, the article identifies transformations in the group’s frames in response to changes in the political environment and need for external support. When ABM became WS, it mimicked IS’s aggressive and transnational approach to framing and tactics.