Are terrorists 'media smart'?

In an interview with Robyn Williams, commentator for The Science Show with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, ASU professor Steve Corman discussed how research at Arizona State University is unlocking patterns in extremist media.

Corman, a researcher in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication and director of the Center for Strategic Communication, studies statements and video from Islamic extremist groups. Corman applies the techniques of computational linguistics, social science and network theory to analyze the messages and how they are delivered.

This social science approach to analyzing language offers insight into patterns of cultural narrative. For example, most extremist rhetoric is linked to master narratives found in the Qur'an, Muslim history and culture that are familiar to the community.

"Extremists use narratives where listeners can fill in the details. They know their audience very well," said Corman. "One predominant theme in communication is that of the 'War on Islam' – that America is a crusader aimed to destroy Muslim culture and religion."

Language analysis shows that communication overwhelmingly follows a deliverance narrative – one where the hero rises to defeat an oppressive adversary, much like the biblical tale of David and Goliath. However, Corman points out that "extremists are lousy champions of the Muslim community." Studies have revealed that al Qaeda-linked militants are 38 times more likely to kill a Muslim than any other member of another group.

Corman said that there is also a perception in the West and among allies that extremist communication is targeted at the poor and disadvantaged; however, many of those recruited are professionals, such as doctors, engineers or computer technicians.

"Sophistication doesn't stop people from adopting extreme beliefs," said Corman.

Results from Corman and his experts' studies offer a new approach to help combat extremism, noted ABC's Robyn Williams, particularly English-speaking young Muslim men being targeted by Al Qaeda's newest publications: magazines.

Corman was honored with a Founder's Day Faculty Achievement Award for his service to the U.S. military and its allies, and a Faculty Achievement Award in Defining Edge Research, best professional application. He is the author or co-author of three books: "Narrating the Exit from Afghanistan;" "Master Narratives of Islamist Extremism;" and "Weapons of Mass Persuasion," for which he received an Applied/Public Policy Research Award from the International Communication Assocation.

The Center for Strategic Communication is a research unit of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and a strategic initiative of the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at Arizona State University. Established in 2005, the center promotes advanced research, teaching and public discussions of the role of communication in combating terrorism, promoting national security and improving public diplomacy.