Developing an Integrated Strategic Counterterrorism Communications Initiative
Sep 15, 2011
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Sep 9, 2011
Published on: Sep 15, 2011
Sep 15, 2011
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Sep 9, 2011
Published on: Sep 15, 2011
Summary
Establishes a new office to coordinate U.S. government messages to foreign audiences to fight against terrorist ideas and recruitment.
What problem does this solve?
The U.S. government's efforts to communicate against terrorism abroad were not well-coordinated. This order creates a central office to bring together different agencies, making the messaging more effective and unified.
What does this order do?
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Assigned responsibilities to the Center for Strategic Counterterrorism Communications
Establishes the Center for Strategic Counterterrorism Communications
Creates a central group within the Department of State to lead and coordinate all U.S. government public messages aimed at fighting terrorism abroad.
Creates a temporary support office
Sets up the Counterterrorism Communications Support Office (CCSO) to help government agencies with their communication projects against violent extremism.
Forms a steering committee
Creates a committee with senior members from agencies like the Departments of Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security to give advice to the new communications center.
Defines communication goals
Directs the new center to create U.S. strategic stories to fight the messages of groups like al-Qa'ida and to share best practices for using digital tools.
Who does this affect?
- U.S. government agencies involved in foreign policy and counterterrorism
- Foreign audiences susceptible to extremist messaging
What is the real world impact?
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Unifies government messaging
Combines the efforts of different government agencies into one coordinated plan. This prevents mixed messages and makes U.S. communications more powerful and efficient when talking to people in other countries.
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Counters terrorist recruitment
Aims to stop terrorist groups like al-Qa'ida from recruiting new members. It does this by creating positive stories and messages that challenge the ideas spread by these groups.
When does this start?
This order becomes effective on September 9, 2011.
Termination of the support office
The temporary Counterterrorism Communications Support Office (CCSO) will end after the maximum time allowed by law, unless the Secretary of State ends it sooner.