PAVE Training Module 2

Section outline

• Hear from Ardit Orana, a Research Fellow at Kosovar Centre for Security Studies on how the internet supports extremist narratives and radicalization. 

  Source: PAVE Project. ‘’Ardit Orana: How the Internet Supports Extremist Narratives and Radicalization.’’ 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Be-zR-nXPY.
  

  We live in a digital world and are more globally integrated and connected on the internet more than ever before, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the internet provides many opportunities for social connection, learning and entertainment, it has also become a strategic entry point for adversary actors. The internet has enhanced the capability for extremists to communicate and collaborate amongst themselves, as well as to maliciously engage with external audiences for recruitment and/or radicalization processes.  

  For instance, the PAVE project research identified that while traditional media remains influential in terms of shaping opinion in the Balkans, online channels present a more prominent mechanism for the dissemination of information and community mobilization on a particular issue, including radicalization related. 

  A large percentage of people in the Western Balkans heavily rely on social media as their primary source of information.  For example, in Kosovo, as of 2021, there are an estimated 1.7 million internet users and 1.1 million active social media users in a country with an estimated 1.9 million people. The significantly high number of social media users demonstrates that a majority of the country hold a degree of dependence on online channels for accessibility and delivery of information as well as interconnectedness amongst community members.

  
  

  Photo Source: Harrington, Woody. ‘’Jihadists and right-wing extremists use remarkably similar social media strategies.’’ New York Times. November, 24, 2018. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/24/opinion/sunday/facebook-twitter-terrorism-extremism.html

  What is online recruitment? 

  Extremist groups actively try to get new members to join their causes. One of the ways they do this is online. Most extremist groups have their own websites, and they and their supporters have profiles on different social media sites. They use these platforms to connect with susceptible online users, share propaganda and ultimately build trust or a ‘friendship’ with people who seem to display interest in what they are thinking, doing and saying. Newcomers might become friends with several different extremists online. (Propaganda is the systemic dissemination of information, especially in a biased or misleading way, in order to promote a political/social cause or point of view.)

  Evidence has confirmed that the internet plays a role in the radicalization process of violent extremists and terrorists. They are able to reach audiences globally immediately, while also tailoring their messages to align with the desires and interests of different target audiences at all levels of society. Meaning, extremists are able to develop influential content for a mass audience, and still recruit individuals through targeted outreach.

   Here’s How:

  1. By the early 2000’s, all major terrorists' organizations had a website or online presence. The internet is ideal for extremists: it's easy access, difficult for private companies and government to regulate, allows for anonymity of communication, inexpensive and can even shape coverage in traditional mass media (which uses the internet for stories).
  2. Due to the number of global users, the internet creates more opportunities for extremists to quickly interact with users without being in the same physical location, thus being able to accelerate the process of radicalization. 
  3. The internet acts as an ‘echo chamber,’ meaning it can provide a space for people to interact with like-minded people and to reaffirm their beliefs, regardless of the accuracy of the belief.

  
  

  Think of it as a snowball - as more and more people view and share these posts; people may come to agree with the content. They will also talk about the content with like-minded individuals online - and even with their friends in-person. This creates a sense of community. What they may not realize is that these extremists are not their friends, rather, they are trying to take advantage to further advance their extremist goals. Because of so many like-minded individuals, people may forget why extremism and terrorism are wrong and believe that their new friends have legitimate viewpoints. Overtime, people may come to believe that they have no choice but to use or advocate for violence. 

  
  

  • Select activity Reflection Question 1

    

    Reflection Question 1 Quiz

    

Session 1: Objectives and Expected Results

Jump to... Main learning site Session 1: Objectives and Expected Results Digital Recruitment in Today's Society What Tactics Do Violent Extremists Use to Radicalize Individuals? Who Do Violent Extremists Target in Radicalization and Recruitment Online? How and Why Do Youth Become Key Targets for Radicalization and Recruitment? Gendered Lens: How and Why Do Women Become Key Targets for Radicalization and Recruitment? How Does Religion Influence Online Recruitment and Radicalization? What About Policymakers? How do They Support Radicalization and Resilience Factors? Additional Resources for Session 1 Session 2: Objectives and Expected Results What Could An Extremist Narrative Look Like? How Can We Address Online Radicalization and Recruitment? What is Counter or Alternative Messaging and How Can it Be Used to Prevent Radicalization? Building a Strategic Campaign Guidelines for Creating an Effective Campaign Mapping Your Target Audience How is Our Target Audience Currently Interacting with Extremist Content? How to Craft Your Counter or Alternative Message Tactics to Disseminate Your Campaign Messages Your Counter or Alternative Narrative Campaign is Launched - Now What? Evaluating Your Counter or Alternative Narrative Campaign Now It’s Your Turn to Make a Counter Narrative Campaign! Additional Resources for Session 2 Session 3: Objectives and Expected Results Being Safe When Using Online Spaces Safety Through An Inclusive Lens What if Someone I know is Talking to an Unsafe Person? Key Considerations for Building Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration and Trust to Prevent Online Radicalization and Recruitment Additional Resources for Session 3 Print Your Course Certificate

Digital Recruitment in Today's Society