The Specific Role of the Armed Forces in the Development and Use of Narratives and Counter-narratives in Countering Violent Extremism Niruthan Nilanthan Visiting Research Fellow Bandaranaike Centre for International Relations

“There are but two powers in the world, the sword and the mind… In the long run, the sword is always beaten by the mind.”

What is a Narrative? A system of stories - provides a coherent view of the world. Set-up patterns that the layman is likely to encounter in day-to-day life. Allows societal or group members to interpret and understand their contextual environment.

Strategic Importance of ‘Narrative’ Goal of the Insurgent is singular - to unify military and informational operations to resist and outlast the State’s will to fight. There are multiple ways to do this – social grievances, economic grievances, political instability, bigotry Goal of the State – to prevent civilians, i.e non-combatants, from becoming combatants.

What Can Narratives do? Social Mobilization Formation of identities Motivation for actions Dictate the public response to crises

Commonly Used Tactics Utopia – referencing the past. Women - ISIS vs Al Qaeda example ‘You have been wronged’ Discontent with the establishment

Requirements to create Narratives Credibility – State vs Civil Society Reach – How many States can compete with Non-State Actors? Marketing – Can you weave a clear narrative that resonates with the public? Public Engagement – Do the public feel that they contributed to the narrative?

The ‘Counter’ Narrative We must have the ability to identify at-risk segments. Must have a positive impact on at-risk segments. Counter-Narratives are also a great way to engage with and learn about the adversary. The primary purpose is not to re-convert the converted.

Why the Armed Forces? Fulfil the above requirements – sole actor? Still a revered manifestation of the State. Directly involved in the consequences of political narratives. Every success results in one less adversary.

Hallmarks of a Good Narrative The Narrative must be crafted along with military strategy – it cannot be an afterthought It takes into account the adversary’s propaganda (it acts as a Counter-Narrative) All Narratives today are global Narratives The Narrative’s purpose is to affect perception, it is not an information-producer

Limitations of Narrative in Countering Extremism A long process that cannot be quantified beyond a certain level of accuracy. Events rarely unfold as planned – the Narrative has to be ‘organic’ Change of attitudes does not mean change in behaviour. Inherently antagonistic relationship between the worldviews of combatants and non-combatants.

More Limitations! Causation is complicated – our own interpretations are not always correct. Technological imbalances – the State no longer has a monopoly over Narratives. It takes years to build credibility, but only one mistake to destroy it.

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