International Conference on Countering Terrorism (ICCT)

While terrorists usually target governments with violence it is the innocent civilians that suffer the most. In this context, it has been argued that the media and civil society in States affected by terrorism, could play a crucial role in influencing the evolution and adoption of long-term responses to terrorism. However it is noted that to the contrary, in many instances media might be playing a negative role in fuelling political violence, communalism and terrorism through propaganda, media blitz and hype that glorifies terrorists and the crimes they commit, while civil society ends up being spectators and victims of such clashes of ideologies.

The panel seeks to understand the modalities through which terrorist organisations influence media and civil society and the dilemmas that inhibit these respective sectors from playing a more mediating role. Drawing on success stories in this regard, it will discuss how media and civil society could contribute more in strengthening society against political extremist and violent ideologies, as well as in mobilising the citizens as a bulwark in support of democracy.

Principal Speaker:
Mr. Shyam Tekwani,
Assistant Professor, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Chair of Panel Session :
Mr. Mangala Moonesinghe,
Chairman, Marga Institute, Sri Lanka

Discussants :
(i) Dr. Hiranthi Wijemanne,
formerly of UNICEF

(ii) Mr. Ajuna Ranawana,
Director, Sri Lanka School of Journalism