From Diplomacy to Deception: Influence through Strategic Narratives

How are strategic narratives used as tools of influence? What makes a strategic narrative effective and powerful, and which factors determine how it resonates with the audience?

What does the course lead to?

The aim of the course is to offer the student opportunities to acquire deeper knowledge on the influence of strategic narratives in the sphere of security and an ability to independently study strategic narratives. It offers opportunities for students to acquire deeper knowledge about different theoretical assumptions within narrative research, which serves as a foundation to the research on strategic narratives. The course provides ample opportunities for the student to critically value how actors use strategic narratives to influence others; from more accepted practices such as diplomacy and soft power to deception. Finally, the course provides the student with the ability to value different methods and research schemes, in order to be able to judge their applicability on an independently chosen research problem.

Structure of the course

The course consists of three main parts: one addresses the theory of knowledge within narrative research and how it forms as a basis for research on strategic narratives; one addresses the projection of strategic narratives, and one addresses the efficacy of strategic narratives; that is the reception of strategic narratives by different audiences.

Teaching is carried out through mandatory seminars. Assessment is based on a written on-campus exam and active participation in the seminars.