Countering Jihadi Cool - (The Fairleigh Dickinson University Press Law, Culture, and the Humanities) by Caroline Joan Kay S Picart (Hardcover)

About the Book

Analyzes the rhetorical and ethical dynamics of a culture of jihadi cool/chic, and why these techniques have been such a powerful recruitment force for transnational terrorist groups.

Book Synopsis

Using an aesthetic culture and techniques termed as jihadi cool, terrorist groups have been able to recruit members from around the world, so how do we begin to respond?

This book analyzes the rhetorical and ethical dynamics of a culture of jihadi cool/chic, and why these rhetorical and aesthetic techniques have been such a powerful recruitment force for particular transnational terrorist groups. The author uses an evidence-based approach, with frameworks derived from law, politics, philosophy, rhetoric, feminist theory, and communication studies, to examine various attempts to construct counter-narratives to the jihadi cool master narrative. The book closes with an examination of how to begin to respond critically and effectively to the lure of jihadi cool.

Review Quotes

Countering Jihadi Cool takes us on a wonderful, evidence-based journey exploring the gaps and elisions in counter-terrorism policy narratives. In so doing, Picart casts light on these issues through a truly inter-disciplinary lens and brings innovative and imaginative critical analysis to this question of global importance. Anyone concerned about the current challenges of the 'terrorist threat' will gain much from this book: a fascinating and insightful read for academics and practitioners alike.

This book analyzes some of the key global narratives that drive the internet recruitment rhetoric and attractiveness-jihadi cool-of some terrorist organizations, and it examines the development of counter-narratives-often employed with very limited success. Drawing on law, politics, philosophy, rhetoric, feminist theory, and communication studies, Caroline Picart presents an original, expansive, and strategic account of major, violent threats to western democratic cultures and explains how to begin to respond critically, effectively, and democratically to these dangers. The topic could not be more timely or more important.

This remarkably prolific author consistently produces work of the highest quality and this book is no exception. Wide erudition is complemented by deep thought, intricately technical debates are displayed in their plainly human significance, and emotionally charged issues are handled in a judicious, balanced, and nuanced manner. A model of probity, humane sensitivity, and legal acumen.

About the Author

Caroline Joan "Kay" S. Picart, M.Phil. (Cantab), Ph.D., J.D.-M.A., Esquire, is an Appellate Assistant Public Defender at the Florida Tenth Judicial Circuit's Public Defender's Office, former adjunct professor of law at Florida A&M University, U.S. and former associate professor of English and humanities at Florida State University, U.S.