Dyadic Discourse in Political Violence: Introducing Strategic Communication Around Terrorism (SCAT) Data

• In Event: A Broader Response to Terrorism and Ideological Crime

Abstract

While terrorist violence has devastated the public for generations, centuries, and even millennia, the recent technology boom paired with the advent of social media seems to be fueling the fire in environments that are already politically unstable. Anecdotal evidence illustrates how casual comments by political figures, which can instantly go viral through outlets such as Facebook and Twitter, often raise the intensity of already sensitive situations. This could be especially harmful when those comments insult groups that have a politically extreme component. The delicacy of today’s environment is evident by the recent storming of U.S. Embassies in Egypt, Yemen, Tunisia, and Libya in reaction to a YouTube video produced in the United States. Media outlets efficiently disseminate unsympathetic messages instantly shifting public attitudes possibly inflaming latent hostilities. Indeed, few would argue against the risks associated with adverse language in a politically-heated situation. Yet, very little is known about whether conciliatory discourse might mollify contention and whether it could even reduce the likelihood of violent outbursts or terrorist attacks. This research raises the question of whether positive statements or gestures are also able to shift attitudes and possibly quell terrorist momentum. If true, then verbal discourse could be strategically used to reduce terrorist violence. Given the affordability of strategic dialog relative to material concessions, the proposed research could reveal important mechanisms for peace in a tenuous environment.

Authors

• Brooke Liu, University of Maryland

• Daren Fisher, The Citadel

• Laura Dugan, University of Maryland