Narrative Frames. An effective strategic narrative amplifies salient grievances, attributes these conditions to the actions of the government, and present a political objective as the solution. To spin a compelling narrative, insurgent political entrepreneurs highlight salient features and con- ditions that resonate with the target audience while excluding others. The general theme defines the narrative’s frame, which shapes how the audience internalizes the message. Surveying the political behavior literature, Xxxxxxxx (2001) identifies two definitions of the terms frame and framing. Xxxxxxxx (2001, 227) notes, “some use the terms to refer to the words, images, phrases, and presentation styles that a speaker uses when relaying infor- mation to another, or what can be called frames in communication.” Xxxxxxxx (2001, 229) continues, stating that “others use the terms frame and framing to refer to an individual’s (cognitive) understanding of a given situation, or what can be called frames in thought.” Frames in thought are the heuristics, stereotypes, mental interpretations and simplifications that all individuals use to understand and respond to events around them. This dissertation concerns the social themes and political content of the frames in communication insurgent elites use in their strategic narrative to influence their target audience’s frame in thought. According to Xxxxxxxx (0000, 207), “framing involves (a) selecting key themes or ideas that are the focus of the message and (b) incorporating a variety of storytelling or narra- tive techniques that support that theme.” In this manner, messaging frames restrict the inferences individuals can make by limiting the content of the message. They provide the contextual cues of a message, operating at conscious and subconscious level to bias the au- dience’s cognitive processes. This project suggests that narrative messaging frames shape how noncombatants perceive the actions of counter-insurgents and the intent of counterin- surgency operations. They do so by focusing on the negative aspects of the status quo political order, and how these elements affect the target audience directly. This dissertation posits that, within the broader injustice master collective action frame, insurgent elites can select between two general themes for their narrative messaging frames:
