Weaponized Words: The Strategic Role of Persuasion in Violent Radicalization and Counter-Radicalization
Cambridge University Press, 4/16/2020
EAN 9781108464871, ISBN10: 1108464874
Paperback, 304 pages, 22.9 x 15.2 x 1.8 cm
Language: English
Strengthen your understanding of the persuasive mechanisms used by terrorist groups and how they are effective in order to defeat them. Weaponized Words applies existing theories of persuasion to domains unique to this digital era, such as social media, YouTube, websites, and message boards to name but a few. Terrorists deploy a range of communication methods and harness reliable communication theories to create strategic messages that persuade peaceful individuals to join their groups and engage in violence. While explaining how they accomplish this, the book lays out a blueprint for developing counter-messages perfectly designed to conquer such violent extremism and terrorism. Using this basis in persuasion theory, a socio-scientific approach is generated to fight terrorist propaganda and the damage it causes.
Introduction
Part I. The Battlefield
Foundations of Persuasion, Radicalization, Violent Radicalization and Counter-Radicalization
1. Words are loaded pistols
radicalization and persuasion
2. The riddle of the Sphinx
lessons from past and current counter-radicalization efforts
Part II. The Weapons
Theories of Persuasion and their Application to Radicalization and Counter-Radicalization Processes
3. Extremist narratives and counter-narratives
4. Vaccinating against the enemy
attitudinal inoculation, radicalization, and counter-radicalization
5. The reasoned action of radicalization and counter-radicalization
6. Terrorism is theater
emotion in extremist propaganda and counter-propaganda
Part III. The War
Future Challenges and Ways Forward in the Battle over Strategic Influence
7. The coming persuasion wars
three future challenges in radicalization and counter-radicalization
8. Fighting back
three future directions for persuasion-based approaches to counter-radicalization.