Shaping The Spread Of Ideas: The Mechanics of Radicalization, Construction of Strategic Narratives, and Intrinsicness of Strategic Communication to Counter Radicalization Strategies

Shaping The Spread Of Ideas: The Mechanics of Radicalization, Construction of Strategic Narratives, and Intrinsicness of Strategic Communication to Counter Radicalization Strategies Public Deposited

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Creator

Brownlow, Walter Edward
- Affiliation: College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Political Science

Abstract

This essay examines preventative counter radicalization efforts as a response to violent extremism in Islamic cultures. It argues for the prudence of a counter radicalization strategy and explores the means through which it be implemented most effectively. It emphasizes the accuracy and appropriateness of messaging when communicating with target audiences. The latter half of the essay attempts to clarify the concept of strategic communications and analyzes their role in the development and implementation of successful efforts to counter radical narratives and provide credible alternate narratives. A primary focus is the importance of a strategic communications framework to a) developing and maintaining policy cohesion - i.e. how communications affect the government networks that formulate and implement policies, and b) effective signaling and response to target audiences when constructing or countering narratives. During the course of its arguments, the essay examines the process of radicalization and analyzes recommended policy responses of Western powers and liberal democracies, specifically the United States.

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