RAN Communications and Narratives meeting on ‘The use of video gaming by (violent) extremists – strategies and narratives’

 

This is an online meeting that will take place on 15 and 17 September 2020

For the RAN C&N Working Group meeting on ‘The use of video gaming by (violent) extremists – strategies and narratives’, we are currently looking for suitable communications experts, relevant researchers and first-line practitioners (such as police officers) with knowledge of the use of video gaming platforms by extremists.

 

 

Topic of meeting

Video gaming as such is not a pathway to violent extremism, but the grooming and recruiting narratives and strategies by violent extremists through these channels can lead to violent extremism.

This meeting will explore how extremists use video gaming platforms to recruit new members, which platforms they use and how that relates with secondary infrastructure that might be used to differentiate between open (YouTube) or closed communication channels (like Discord). The meeting will also explore the ways of communication and types of narratives and strategies used. The challenges that first-line practitioners face and where they would need more practical and tangible information and/or training will be identified.

Additionally, the meeting will discuss what counter measures should or could be developed. Existing counter measures will be shared and discussed where possible.

 

Call for participants

We are currently looking for communications experts who are familiar with the narratives and strategies used by extremists within several video gaming platforms, for academics who are doing research into this topic and for relevant first-line practitioners such as police officers or exit workers who have knowledge of the use of video gaming platforms by extremists and of possible counter measures.

In order to find the best suited participants, we would like to ask you if you could answer the following questions when sharing your interest to participate:

  • What is your experience with this topic (incl. which gaming platforms)?
  • Which existing counter measures or other practices do you know and are they effective in your opinion?
  • What are, according to you, the biggest challenges in preventing or countering the use of video gaming platforms by (violent) extremists?
  • What would you like to learn regarding this topic?
  • Do you know any other relevant communications experts, researchers and/or first-line practitioners that we should invite?
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If you are interested in participating at this meeting, could you please elaborate on these questions before the 10th of August by sending your answers to l.wouterse@radaradvies.nl and m.verdegaal@radaradvies.nl? We will invite participants based on this information.

Please keep in mind that we only invite a limited number amount of participants to this meeting to ensure valuable exchange and interaction, so participation is not guaranteed. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact one of us.