In a world where the Internet provides violent extremists with many platforms to promote violence, spread propaganda and recruit fighters, developing a strategy of effective counter-narratives is no easy task. In fact, social networks have increased the scope and speed of recruitment and radicalization. The traditional media also play an important role in the way messages are disseminated, which is why there are other new role-players, even at the State level, which must share responsibilities and answer difficult, introspective questions.

One way to increase the ability to win back potential recipients of such messages of extremist violence is to decrease the appeal of their story. But what is the best way to achieve this? One could be to undermine the credibility of those issuing the message, by exposing the contradictions in their narratives or promoting alternatives using the most adequate means possible. Do any lessons exist for developing successful counter-narratives which may be inferred from studying cases of deserters or returned terrorists? What type of alternative imaginary or ideology can be created to achieve this goal?

Panelists:
The media and de-radicalization: defying humiliation, shame and the revenge cycle Aziz Douai, University of Ontario
A participatory citizen-based focus on radicalization: the role of digital media literacy. Abeer al Najjar, the American University of Sharjah
Disenchantment with “Jihadist concepts” to counteract extremist narratives in cyberspace. Mohamed Fahmi, Free University of Brussels
De-radicalization through the stage arts: from hard power to soft. Joseph Alagha, University of Haigazian
Presented and moderated by: Karim Hauser, Casa Árabe’s International Politics Coordinator.