Advance of the black flags: symbolism, social identity, and psychological operations in violent conflict
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Authors
Milburn, Christopher D.
Subjects
countering violent extremism
homegrown violent extremism
communication
strategic communication
psychological operations
PSYOP
Islamic State
ISIS
ISIL
Daesh
symbols
symbolism
ritual
music
ideological war
Jungian psychology
Joseph Campbell
Hero’s Journey
masks
social control
propaganda
archetypal image
symbolic interactionism theory
social identity theory
assumed identity
impression management theory
virtual state
hybrid threat
morale operations
black ops
identity construction
camera angle
camera position
counter-propaganda
gangsta rap
nasheed
al-hayat media center
storytelling
narrative
religious music
jazz
blues
internet jihad
jihad
social media
imagery
media richness theory
symbolic terrorism
symbolic warfare
flags
key symbols
deindividuation
beheading
jihadist beheading
hermeneutics
hadith
mujahideen
mujahidin
black flags
black standard
information operations
public affairs
public diplomacy
disrupting insurgency
homegrown violent extremism
communication
strategic communication
psychological operations
PSYOP
Islamic State
ISIS
ISIL
Daesh
symbols
symbolism
ritual
music
ideological war
Jungian psychology
Joseph Campbell
Hero’s Journey
masks
social control
propaganda
archetypal image
symbolic interactionism theory
social identity theory
assumed identity
impression management theory
virtual state
hybrid threat
morale operations
black ops
identity construction
camera angle
camera position
counter-propaganda
gangsta rap
nasheed
al-hayat media center
storytelling
narrative
religious music
jazz
blues
internet jihad
jihad
social media
imagery
media richness theory
symbolic terrorism
symbolic warfare
flags
key symbols
deindividuation
beheading
jihadist beheading
hermeneutics
hadith
mujahideen
mujahidin
black flags
black standard
information operations
public affairs
public diplomacy
disrupting insurgency
Advisors
Brannan, David
Kiernan, Kathleen
Date of Issue
2015-12
Date
Dec-15
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
TheUnited States is in an ideological war with violent extremists in the realm of mass communication, but the nature of this conflict is not well understood. This thesis reviewed literature concerning communication principles and the psychology of symbolism, then used qualitative analysis to investigate strategic communication samples to understand how media was used to construct group identity, influence attitudes, and challenge adversaries. Themes critical to narrative construction were identified, as were communication techniques that place emphasis on key ideas in music and film. The roles of symbolism, rituals, and music in human behavior were further researched. This research was then applied to the Islamic State’s use of media to influence attitudes and inspire behavior. The ultimate recommendation suggests that theUnited States approach this conflict as a true war by asserting a communication strategy designed to disrupt violent, exclusionary ideologies.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs
National Security Affairs
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner.