Strengthen your understanding of the persuasive mechanisms used by terrorist groups and how they are effective in order to defeat them. Weaponized Words applies existing theories of persuasion to domains unique to this digital era, such as social media, YouTube, websites, and message boards to name but a few. Terrorists deploy a range of communication methods and harness reliable communication theories to create strategic messages that persuade peaceful individuals to join their groups and engage in violence. While explaining how they accomplish this, the book lays out a blueprint for developing counter-messages perfectly designed to conquer such violent extremism and terrorism. Using this basis in persuasion theory, a socio-scientific approach is generated to fight terrorist propaganda and the damage it causes. Kurt Braddock is the leading scholar on communication research, terrorism, and counter-terrorism. Both practically useful and grounded in solid evidence, I would recommend Weaponised Words to certified counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism practitioners and researchers alike. It is a cutting-edge toolbox to level the playing field against extremist and terrorist recruitment.' Daniel Koehler, Director of German Institute on Radicalization and De-Radicalization Studies (GIRDS) 'Weaponized Words delivers a powerful one-two punch, combining a deep dive into the science of persuasion with detailed recommendations for counter-terrorism communications. This is exactly the kind of hands-on guide that counter-terrorism practitioners need and is destined to have a huge impact on how people around the world combat violent extremism.' J. M. Berger, author of Extremism, research fellow for VOX-Pol, and consultant on extremism Discover theories of persuasion that show how terrorist messages promote radicalization and how counter-messages fight terrorist propaganda. Kurt Braddock is Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Communication Arts and Sciences at the Pennsylvania State University. He researches the persuasive effects of terrorist propaganda and how that propaganda can be challenged. He has also advised multiple governments, non-governmental organizations, and practitioners on effective counter-messaging strategies.