Storytelling Against Extremism

Table of Contents

1. Frontmatter

2. Chapter 1. Introduction

   Linda Schlegel

   Zusammenfassung

   This chapter introduces storytelling as the fundamental component of human communication, reviews the lack of engagement with narrative persuasion research in the P/CVE context to deduce the guiding question, and lays out the structure of the dissertation.

3. Chapter 2. The Counter- and Alternative Narratives Approach

   Linda Schlegel

   Abstract

   This chapter briefly reviews the history and the literature on how narratives are used in P/CVE to establish a baseline for the analysis of storytelling in narrative campaigns against extremism. Before doing so, however, the first step is to establish what ‘narrative’ actually refers to. This is a necessary foundation to form a common understanding of the main concept and subject of this dissertation. After establishing what a narrative is, the state of knowledge on the CAN approach is reviewed. As we will see, while an abundance of recommendations on the development and implementation of effective CAN campaigns exist, there has been almost no engagement with or transfer of concepts, theories, and insights on narrative persuasion and storytelling to the P/CVE context.

4. Chapter 3. Transferring Storytelling and Narrative Persuasion Research to P/CVE

   Linda Schlegel

   Abstract

   This chapter reviews the literature on narrative persuasion and trasnfers it into the P/CVE context.

5. Chapter 4. Methodological Approach

   Linda Schlegel

   Abstract

   This chapter details the methodological approach of the dissertation, laying out the process of conducting 31 semi-structured interviews with CAN experts as well as the process of selecting and analyzing the Jamal al-Khatib CAN campaign. In addition, the limitations are laid out.

6. Chapter 5. Analysis of Expert Interviews

   Linda Schlegel

   Zusammenfassung

   This chapter details the analysis of the semi-structured expert consultations. The analysis is structured along the following three questions: (1) Does the lack of engagement with narrative persuasion research in the CAN literature transfer to a lack of engagement and knowledge on narrative persuasion among P/CVE experts or does the oral discourse differ from the existing literature in this respect? (2) If the gap is replicated in the oral discourse, do the interviews provide any indication or hints as to why P/CVE research and practice have not engaged with the existing literature on storytelling and narrative persuasion? (3) What (underlying) assumptions and opinions guide the current practice of storytelling in P/CVE campaigns and what are the experts’ views regarding the goal of CAN campaigns, audience-related factors, effective messages, suitable messengers, and the media environment?

7. Chapter 6. Case Study Analysis

   Linda Schlegel

   Abstract

   After elaborating the findings of the expert interviews, we now turn to the second empirical part of this dissertation. In this chapter, key concepts and theoretical tools deduced from the literature review in Chap. 3 are applied to the analysis of  the CAN campaign Jamal al-Khatib – My Path! 

8. Chapter 7. Discussion

   Linda Schlegel

   Abstract

   This chapter discusses the implications of the findings for the theoretical basis of the CAN approach, the practical design of campaigns against extremism, and the analysis and evaluation of CANs. It also offers thoughts on the implications for the broader discourse, including political communication research.

9. Chapter 8. Conclusion

   Linda Schlegel

   Abstract

   This chapter recaps the findings of this dissertation and delinates ways forward for both future research and P/CVE practice.

10. Backmatter