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Serving the same interests: The Wood Green ricin plot, mediaâstateâterror relations and the âterrorismâ dispositif
This article analyses the representations of terrorism that arise out of the BBCâs coverage of the Wood Green ricin plot (2003), the first instance of al-Qaeda-related activity in the United Kingdom during the âwar on terrorâ. Inspired by the work Michel Foucault, the article suggests that the BBCâs representations form part of an emergent âterrorismâ dispositif, or apparatus, which draws together seemingly disparate and antagonistic groups into a strategic, mutually-sustaining alliance. The analysis focuses on two weeksâ worth of BBC âNews at Tenâ bulletins, alongside speeches and press releases issued by the Prime Minister and statements released by al-Qaedaâs leadership. In particular, the article suggests that the BBCâs representations inadvertently work to the advantage of elements within al-Qaeda and the British executive due to the fact that they portray the Wood Green events in ways that are tactically useful to both groups. As such, the article not only provides substantive new empirical insights into the way representations of terrorism were mobilised in the build up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, but also shows how Foucauldian concepts can provide creative and innovative analytical tools for understanding the dynamics of the contemporary media-state-terrorism relationship