Weaponized Words: The Strategic Role of Persuasion in Violent Radicalization and Counter-Radicalization

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.

Author: Kurt Braddock
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 04/16/2020
Pages: 302
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 8.80h x 6.80w x 0.60d
ISBN: 9781108464871

Review Citation(s):
Choice 04/01/2021

About the Author
Braddock, Kurt: - Kurt Braddock is Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Communication Arts and Sciences at the Pennsylvania State University. He researches the persuasive effects of terrorist propaganda and how that propaganda can be challenged. He has also advised multiple governments, non-governmental organizations, and practitioners on effective counter-messaging strategies.