Narrative IED

A narrative IED is a rumor that can explode and thus degrade a strategic communication campaign. Narrative IEDs are constructed of bits and pieces of story systems and local cultural elements that make up a specific narrative landscape. They remain unseen to the Soldier, diplomat, outreach coordinator, or business strategist until exploding and potentially disrupting expensive and highly sophisticated communication campaigns. As noted by co-authors Daniel Bernardi, Pauline Hope Cheong, Chris Lundry and Scott W. Ruston in the book , Narrative IED’s are "a low-cost, low-tech device" that can be used by anyone with dangerous consequences. Narrative IEDs can be spontaneous or carefully crafted by organizations, political campaigns, insurgents, etc. .
In a context of political turmoil or economic uncertainty, rumors as narrative IEDs can be used to fill information gaps and become particularly persuasive. When these narratives systems draw upon master narratives, story forms, and archetypes, they can lead people to an already established and accepted resolution that can undermine a communication campaign.
In 2011, the Federal Government funded a four-year project headed by Daniel Bernardi, director of the Documentary Film Institute at San Francisco State University , to investigate the spread and threat posed by Narrative IEDs during counter-insurgency and irregular warfare operations. The project's aim is to track, collect and find ways to defuse rumors that pose a threat to strategic communication efforts.

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