HSPI Hosts a panel discussion on:
“Words Matter: The Role of Lexicon in Counter-Terrorism Communications Strategy”

Featuring:
Jonathan Allen
Head of Unit
Research, Information and Communications Unit
Cross-Government Unit, reporting to: United Kingdom Home Office,
Communities & Local Government, & Foreign & Commonwealth Office

Daniel Sutherland
Officer for Civil Rights & Civil Liberties
US Department of Homeland Security

Jeffrey Imm
Research Director
Counterterrorism Blog

Moderated by:

Frank J. Cilluffo
Director
Homeland Security Policy Institute

On June 24, 2008, HSPI hosted a discussion on the heated and ongoing debate over the lexicon to be employed in an effective counter-terrorism communications strategy. When employed effectively, words can undermine our adversaries’ appeal, dry up support and recruitment operations, and expose the flaws in their ideology. When used haphazardly, words can alienate potential allies and elevate our enemies unintentionally. Panelists, at the forefront of this debate in their respective countries, examined the challenges to developing an effective lexicon from the perspectives of the British and American governments, the opportunities afforded through creation of an agreed upon lexicon and, ultimately, a counter-narrative that challenges and diminishes the appeal of extremism.

The Homeland Security Policy Institute seeks to provide innovative leaders in the fields of national and homeland security with a forum to discuss current and future counterterrorism and counterinsurgency efforts on a regional or country-specific basis.