Dr. Caroline Picart is a scholar-attorney who has published over 20 peer reviewed scholarly books and numerous articles in law, philosophy, film, criminology, sociology and communications; she also founded Kinaesthetics, LLC, a fine art and ballroom dance company.
Listen as she talks about her book: “Countering Jihadi Cool”
In Countering Jihadi Cool, Caroline Joan “Kay” S. Picart offers a scholarly, nuanced, and thought-provoking analysis of how extremist organizations utilize aesthetics, narrative, and cultural appeal to influence and recruit individuals on a global scale. Instead of depending on stereotypes or sensationalism, Picart thoroughly investigates how the notion of “jihadi cool” — a combination of media-savvy rhetoric, symbolism, and charm — has been weaponized to draw in followers, particularly among the youth. What distinguishes this work is its interdisciplinary methodology. By integrating insights from law, communication studies, philosophy, and feminist theory, Picart delivers a multifaceted examination of how these narratives are formed and perpetuated. More significantly, she investigates the initiatives aimed at challenging and dismantling these narratives — through counter-storytelling, legal frameworks, and ethical critique. This book is not centered on fear; rather, it focuses on understanding, strategy, and hope. Picart urges readers to critically evaluate the media we engage with, the cultural messages we absorb, and the influence of storytelling — both for harm and for healing. Articulated with clarity and depth, Countering Jihadi Cool serves as a vital resource for academics, educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the cultural aspects of radicalization and how to respond in a constructive manner. It is a call to combat harmful ideologies not merely through force, but through meaningful, values-driven narratives that resonate with dignity, justice, and human connection.
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