While some governments focus on fighting extremist groups through hard power, it is critical to point out that one of the most effective methods to combat fundamentalist groups is to counter and neutralize their underlying ideologies. In order to do, one of the most powerful approaches is to utilize the power of the digital media, particularly visual imagery. Many people, and specifically the new generation, consume information mainly through the digital media and visual imagery. An old saying proclaims that pictures speak louder than words. Videos speak louder than pictures. This is due to the fact that visual imageries disseminate information and spread a specific narrative more quickly and efficiently than other tools. They show sequence of events while establishing and reinforcing a narrative in a concise and potent approach. In addition, visual tools generate emotional and intellectual reactions. More importantly, visual tools transcend and permeate different cultures, ethnicities, religions, and nations regardless of their differences. That is why extremist groups have become a media conglomerate, recognizing the power of the digital media and exploiting it by specifically capitalizing on visual imagery and disseminating their propaganda. One prominent example of an organization, which has embarked on this critical task of battling extremist ideologies through use of the digital media and visual imagery, is the Ideological Warfare Center (IWC). The Ideological Warfare Center, which was founded by the ministry of defense of Saudi Arabia, has been concentrating on raising awareness about extremism and fundamentalism through cutting edge visual tools. The reason that the ministry of defense has been successful is that the Ideological Warfare Center distinguishes itself from other places by producing high quality contents as well as videos that are innovative, educational, genuine, transparent and instructive. In addition, through the IWC, the ministry of defense uses cutting-edge technology. These kinds of videos and visual imagery that are authentic and show stories are significantly more powerful and successful than other methods in countering the narrative and ideologies of extremist groups as well as raising awareness among the public across nations, religions, and communities.
