Online De-Radicalization? Countering Violent Extremist Narratives: Message, Messenger and Media Strategy

• Main Author: Omar Ashour
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Massachusetts Lowell 2011-01-01
• Series: Perspectives on Terrorism
• Subjects: de-radicalisation
• Online Access: http://www.terrorismanalysts.com/pt/index.php/pot/article/view/128

<p><em>Is &ldquo;online de-radicalization&rdquo; possible? Given the two growing phenomena of &ldquo;online radicalization&rdquo; and &ldquo;behavioral/ideological/organizational de-radicalization,&rdquo; this article outlines a broad strategy for countering the narratives of violent extremists. It argues that an effective counter-narrative should be built on three pillars. The first is an effective comprehensive message that dismantles and counter-argues against every dimension of the extremist narrative, namely the theological, political, historical, instrumental and socio-psychological dimensions. The second pillar is the messengers. The article argues that for </em><em>the first time in the history of Jihadism a &ldquo;critical mass&rdquo; of former militants, who rebelled not only against the current behaviour of their former colleagues but also against the ideology supporting it, has come into existence. This &ldquo;critical mass&rdquo; can constitute the core of credible messengers, especially the few de-radicalized individuals and groups that still maintain influence and respect among vulnerable communities. The third pillar is the dissemination and attraction strategy of the counter-narratives(s) which focuses on the role of the media. The author of the article outlines a broad framework, which is a part of a UN-sponsored, comprehensive research project on countering the extremists narrative.</em></p>