About the National Center for Narrative Intelligence
Focused on contributing applied interdisciplinary research, workforce development, and new analytic approaches to the digital information environment.
"Artificial intelligence is going to influence every profession. I’m excited about the center because my vision for journalism and communications is that we are central to problem-solving and making sense of information."
Dr. Andrea Hickerson
Co-Director of the NCNI
A cooperative effort between government, academia, and private enterprise.
U.S. Senator Roger Wicker is the highest-ranking Republican on the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services and oversaw the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (FY 24 NDAA). The bill, which was signed into law, included the relevant section that explained the need for such a center. Senator Wicker was instrumental in that success. He is a longtime supporter of America's national defense and servicemembers.
Ole Miss Chancellor Dr. Glenn Boyce was an early champion and recognized the value of the NCNI. He continues to contribute both his extraordinary vision and steadfast support for the center’s mission.
EdgeTheory, LLC co-founders Joe Stradinger and Greg Griffith have made significant investments on behalf of their company toward the center's formation and growth, creating a highly successful internship program at the university, establishing the EdgeTheory Lab on campus at Insight Park, and donating the use of their technology systems to faculty members and students to further their research efforts and their preparations to enter the workforce.
National Call to Action
In today's evolving information environment, the exponential growth of online narrative content challenges individuals, organizations, and governments to rapidly consume, comprehend, and engage with narratives circulating on global digital media. It necessitates “narrative intelligence.”
Narrative intelligence refers to the combined use of human intelligence and artificial intelligence to analyze the origins, motivations, intentions, evolution, and outcomes of narratives.
Narratives have the power to influence wars and elections
They affect the global economy, and sway public opinion and policy. They also have the potential to improve the lives of millions, by strengthening the understanding and circulation of accurate information on everything from business and foreign affairs to healthcare and election integrity.
P.L. 118-31, the “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024” expresses concern that the United States is lagging globally in narrative intelligence and calls for a national center to study narrative origins, effects, and responses. The law as signed by the president calls for an assessment of need for a national center to study narrative origins, effects and responses, and directs the Department of Defense to dedicate resources to developing artificial intelligence and machine learning tools to better monitor and assess information campaigns by delivering comprehensive analyses of narrative themes, language and information patterns, and disinformation networks.
Exploring the relationship between narrative intelligence and national security
Some specific ways narrative intelligence plays a crucial role in enhancing the national security of the United States include:
- Understanding Adversaries. Analyzing the narratives and stories that shape beliefs and motivations can inform diplomatic efforts, counter-terrorism strategies, and military planning.
- Promoting Cultural Sensitivity. Developing a deeper understanding of the cultural, historical, and social contexts of different regions can augment diplomatic missions, military deployments, and intelligence operations to avoid cultural missteps and build trust with local populations.
- Offering Predictive Analysis. Studying emerging narratives in various regions, such as potential flashpoints, social unrest, or shifts in political alliances, can guide proactive policy decisions and interventions.
- Enhancing Cybersecurity. Understanding the dynamics of online narratives can help identify misinformation campaigns, cyber propaganda, and potential cyber threats.
- Building Narrative Alliances. Coordinating narratives with allies and potential partners can strengthen diplomatic ties, foster collaboration, and build coalitions.
- Supporting Post-Conflict Reconstruction. Understanding local narratives after a military conflict can promote reconstruction, reconciliation, and the establishment of stable governance structures.
Narrative intelligence is predicated on a holistic understanding of the complex web of stories, beliefs, and motivations that drive individual and collective actions.
In the realm of national security, this understanding is invaluable for both proactive and reactive strategies, ensuring that the U.S. remains agile, informed, and effective in its efforts to safeguard its interests and its citizens. It must also be explicitly said that NCNI’s approach to narrative intelligence includes serving as a steadfast defender of the rights protected by the First Amendment and assuring none of those are infringed upon in data analysis and/or management or proposed efforts to counter misinformation.In the realm of public safety, narrative intelligence aids in deciphering the motives and methods of criminal networks. Analyzing communication patterns, propaganda, and online narratives, can preemptively help identify threats, disrupt criminal activities, and better understand the communities they serve.
For public health, health care providers and experts benefit from understanding how their recommendations are interpreted and acted upon by the public. The circulation of accurate and compelling narratives has the potential to improve individual and community health outcomes.
Finally, in the private sector, narrative intelligence can provide a competitive edge. Companies can harness it to understand market narratives, anticipate consumer trends, and counter misinformation about products and services. This not only safeguards a company's reputation but also positions it for growth and innovation in a rapidly changing business landscape.
Meet the Directors of NCNI
Wes Jennings
- Chair and Professor of Criminal Justice & Legal Studies
Andrea Hickerson
- Dean of the School of Journalism and New Media and Professor of Journalism