ABSTRACT
This chapter places content analysis and qualitative interpretation within the realm of critical realism applying social semiotic language analysis to a series of online articles related to extremism in Iraq. Language and imagery have been used in the past to justify military actions, and since the rise of Daesh in Iraq, the phrases combatting, preventing and countering violent extremism have gained significant traction. This may be due, in part, to the standing, stance and attitude of authors who use text and images to target and manipulate readers. Often used interchangeably, the chapter explores how the phrases combatting, countering and preventing violent extremism are used to justify actions by external actors, give information and to call for action. The negative narratives surrounding the phrases and the extent to which imagery is used to manipulate emotions is also considered. The lexicon of combatting, preventing and countering violent extremism is identified and conventionalised, cliché and bonded words placed within the wider context. Emerging themes include the use of war-related terms, negative emotive adjectives and the development of a hidden dual vocabulary for internal and external audiences.
