ABSTRACT
How can a study of militant narratives and worldviews teach us something about conflict dynamics? Based on my study of the Pakistani Taliban, and my interviews with Taliban adherents, I seek to illuminate how an analysis of narratives and worldviews is relevant for understanding the conflict that the Pakistani Taliban is a part of. First I outline the epistemological and theoretical basis that underpins the assumption that there is a connection between their speech on one side and their worldview – including their grievances – on the other. Second I outline how an enhanced understanding of the grievances and worldviews of political opponents is a useful tool for de-escalating conflicts, and how we as researchers play a crucial political role when we engage in conflict analysis.
