Contemporary Communication Strategies for Countering Violent Extremism in Pakistan

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue VI, June 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186

Contemporary Communication Strategies for Countering Violent Extremism in Pakistan

Sundus Mustaqeem, Romlah Ramli, Syarizan Dalib

School of Multimedia Technology and Communication, University Utara Malaysia

Abstract: Violent extremism has become the global concern especially after the beginning of 21st Century. Therefore, understanding the various aspects of violent extremism particularly multifaceted communication strategies which will be fit to handle the modern challenges has become imperative. On incidences of terrorism and violent extremism, Pakistan has lost on socio, economic, cultural and educational grounds. Meanwhile, there are contending positions that the incessant attacks are due to the gap in proper Communication between security apparatus, government and the extremist groups. In view of this, the article examines the roles of strategic communication in the countering of violent extremism and its influence on Pakistani society. The paper also brought to the open, some of the critical context and drivers of violent extremism. Based on this, the paper proffers a model which captured the contemporary communication strategies for countering violent extremism. It also argues that strategic communication can be assimilated into policies and actions of the major stakeholders as a strategic measure to handle the radicalized and violent extremism. Moreover, with the help of few judicious approaches/strategies, a balance and a moderate society can be established. Further to this are the ideal practices being recommended in line with the theory of strategic communication planning format that will not only help in tackling extremism but also bringing peace.

Keywords: Violent extremism, strategic communication, terrorism, Pakistan

I. INTRODUCTION

In recent years particularly, the world has experienced new waves of violent extremism that have taken the lives of many innocent people (UNDP, 2016). The violent extremism has remarkably subdued the entire social harmony of many nation states. From Middle East to South Asia and from Europe to the US, every other society is being challenged by the hardened ideological positions of violent extremism. All around the world, domestic terrorism and violent extremism has become a great challenge forcing many countries to be developing comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of violent extremism. In a quest to understand how to efficiently address the threat of violent extremism, it is crucial to examine frontline states like Pakistan (For & Conservative, 2016).

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