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Dynamic Insurgency: Does target audience proximity to a conflict affect the promoted collective action frame of a transnational insurgent group?
Abstract
Transnational insurgent groups operate within a dual system of receiving economic, political, and manpower support and garnering new sources of support for their sustainability and growth. Scholars of civil conflict have examined the provision of support to insurgent groups from outside sources (such as diasporas, NGOs, and foreign governments) and insurgent group strategies of garnering local support and how both of these affect group behavior and structure. Less has been done, however, to examine how insurgents project and market to potential sources of support which exist outside their operational area. One of the ways in which groups promote is by stating their grievances and proposed solutions through a collective action frame. These frames also function as a call to action and support of their cause. While ample evidence suggests that the construction of groups’ collective action frames is influenced by certain economic, demographic, and political variables for the sake of effectiveness, this project suggests another variable, proximity, may also have an effect and asks, “does target audience proximity to a conflict affect the promoted collective action frame of a transnational insurgent group?” Extant work on how and why proximity to a conflict affects outside allies’ decisions to support an insurgency suggests that a reciprocal may exist: that the proximity of a target audience to the conflict affects insurgent group framing for the sake of effective promotion. To examine the possible effects of proximity on an insurgent group’s framing, research is conducted among the Kurdish Democratic Party of Iran (PDKI) in the cities of Koysinjaq and Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan, Paris, France, and in Washington, D.C. Framing shifts are viewed through the analytical lenses of diagnostic, prognostic, and mobilizing framing processes to analyze the types of publicized frames used by the PDKI and if/how they shift as a result of proximity. Research is conducted among co-ethnics (Kurds), who are members of the PDKI, non-member supporters, and those who are neither members nor supporters but have had contact with the PDKI and/or their promotional efforts. Formal interviews comprise a majority of the research, but observation and participant observation is conducted at PDKI events, gatherings, and meetings. These efforts are supplemented through primary source research associated with the group in a variety of media identifying possible shifts in framing strategy, intended shifts in framing strategy, and how those intentions are perceived and received by the target populations.
Discipline
International Relations/Affairs
Geographic Area
Kurdistan
Sub Area
None