There is an ever-growing body of evidence that suggests that there exists a significant degree of overlap between violent extremism (VE) and ordinary crime, both at the conceptual level and in terms of patterns and predictors. Countries differ considerably in their approaches to countering violent extremism (CVE). Yet, at least…

Within research and policy on preventing and countering terrorism, transparency is viewed as a necessity to generate public support and trust for counter-terrorism policies. Yet there is no systematic evidence to support these assumptions while research in other policy areas has challenged these assumptions, showing some forms of transparency might…

The potential exploitation of generative AI by terrorists and violent extremists has attracted warnings that the technology may be used to groom or radicalize young people, help identify vulnerable targets, or increase the risk of bioterrorism. However, there has been relatively little analysis that grounds these actual and potential capabilities…

This paper is a timely examination of political communication and media trust in the age of generative AI systems. After analysing real-world examples of generative AI use in a political context, it evaluates emerging technical and policy solutions and presents recommendations and reflections for policy practitioners. This paper is the…

Children who grow up in families who are affiliated with violent extremism and terrorism are frequently viewed through a security-oriented lens which focuses on their risk of radicalisation, or the security risk they may pose to society. This security-oriented approach limits a broader understanding of the multiple ways in which…

This publication aims to share the findings of the second phase of WP5 research within the CONNEKT project. While the first phase of WP5 examined the drivers and social contexts of radicalization and violent extremism (VE) in the MENA region and the Balkans, this phase is focused on the factors…

This paper proposes a new perspective on how radicalisation occurs. It argues that in group-based environments, radicalisation occurs on an ideologically-agnostic omni-directional spectrum of engagement vs disengagement where susceptibility to influence – not a commitment to a particular ideology at the outset – is a precursor to violent extremism. By…

This policy brief explores new and innovative communications approaches to reduce the threat from all forms of violent extremism in Europe today based on a precise analysis of the strategic problem and corresponding strategic communications solutions deployable in response. In the context of an ever-evolving violent extremist landscape, including new…

This article analyses how and why gender is used in ideological narratives of Salafi-jihadist and extreme right propaganda. It argues that five overarching gendered narratives are leveraged to increase the appeal and resonance of overarching ideological narratives: constructions of a corrupt gender order linked to crisis; constructions of a historically…

Women associated with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) are returning to their home countries from camps in northern Syria and require prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration. Yet, as feminist security and terrorism scholars have demonstrated, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes are mostly focused on men and neglect women’s experiences….

Targeted by Terrorists was launched on 22 February 2024 in Brussels. This research study was carried out in Indonesia, Iraq and Nigeria with the aim of  increasing knowledge regarding children associated with groups designated “terrorist”. Children’s association with such groups and their abduction, recruitment, use and exploitation by them has gained…

The paper presents a thorough examination of the digital proliferation of far-right extremism, a phenomenon that gained global attention following the tragic Christchurch attack in March 2019. The attack underscored the role of social media in broadcasting violent extremist content, prompting international responses such as the Christchurch Call to eliminate…