The Role of Civil Society and Actors in Narrating Online Against Terrorism/Violent Extremism (TVE): Narratives and Practice

It is well known, thanks to a large body of research, that communicated narratives are utilised by a wide variety of organisations and individuals who advocate terrorism/violent extremism (T/VE). Closely linked, and relatively neglected as an area of research, communication is also a key element of strategies or campaigns aiming to prevent terrorism/counter violent extremism (PT/CVE). As such, this PhD proposes to examine the production and dissemination of narratives against T/VE, focusing on the role of civil society and its interaction and relationship with formal state bodies and their PT/CVE strategies. The broad aims of the project are to map the field of practice by civil society actors, to establish a typology of the formats and narratives used; and to establish how and why narratives are constructed in the ways they are. The proposed research would have significance for improving the knowledge base about P/CVE online messaging within civil society, and any relationship between civil society and state actors. Such knowledge could be expected to illustrate the barriers and facilitators that might need to be addressed in aiding the pursuit of an effective, joined-up approach to online messaging that enhances the prospects of effective practice in this area.