So-called “counter- and alternative narrative (CAN) campaigns” are a widespread means of counteracting extremist propaganda. However, the discussion about CAN has so far lacked an explicit examination of their narrative quality. Existing research on narrative persuasion, i.e. how stories can convince people to change their beliefs, has so far been insufficiently considered in CAN approaches.
In order to close this gap, Linda Schlegel's book “Storytelling Against Extremism” draws on research on storytelling and narrative persuasion and applies it to narrative campaigns in the prevention of extremism. The author shows that the often-criticized CAN approach can be significantly improved as a result.
The book “Storytelling Against Extremism. Advancing Theory and Practice of Digital Narrative Campaigns against Extremism” is based on Linda Schlegel's dissertation and was published in the series “Studien des Leibniz-Instituts für Friedens- und Konfliktforschung” by Springer VS.