This study has collected, generated, and analyzed data on the phenomenon of religious radicalization and violent extremism with the aim of informing policy-making and stakeholders involved in addressing this phenomenon and the challenges interrelated with it. The research methodology approaches the identification and comprehensive analysis of the context by employing a variety of sources to understand the extent and relevance of several factors…

As we gather for the 51st Munich Security Conference, a particularly difficult year in international security policy lies behind us. Over the past twelve months, numerous crises have developed into crucial challenges and threats to international peace and security in ways that many decision makers and analysts did not see…

The current flow of foreigners to Syria and Iraq is remarkable not only for its scale, but also for its inclusion of many women. Much has been written about the male fighters who migrate to engage in the conflict there; these fighters are prolific on social media and share details…

The nature and scale of foreign fighter departures from Western states is unprecedented. This report focuses on the challenges of national-local partnerships within the context of countering the threat posed by foreign fighters. The primary objective of the report is to outline the ways in which national agencies are approaching…

Pakistan is one of the most strategically important countries for the United States and the Muslim world, particularly in regards to countering violent extremism (CVE). In lieu of a robust government-led strategy, Pakistan’s civil society has had to take the lead in CVE. This paper analyzes existing initiatives and their…

In this issue, authors from Asia and Europe analyse the factors that have contributed to the recent development of fundamentalism and terrorism in the Middle East and to discuss the implications of terrorism on societies in Asia and Europe. Special attention are given to the recruitment of young people, the…

This report stems from a research project on online terrorist magazines. The overarching objective of the project is to identify central narratives and themes, and to examine the communicative (language and images) devices used to advance these. The study examined magazines that were published between 1 January 2009 and 30…

Promoting stability is one of the primary objectives of nearly all major development actors operating in Afghanistan. Many stabilization policies and programs are based on the assumption that the root cause of political violence, terrorism, and insurgencies lie in poverty and resource deprivation. In response, millions of dollars have been…

Starting January 2015 for a period of 16 months, this project aims to address this contradiction by supporting government officials in the IGAD region of East Africa in deepening prevention capacities including by partnering with civil society actors and communities in order to build resilience against violent extremism. The Global…

Although the prime focus of Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has been on establishing a state—a caliphate—in the Middle East, it has also sought to gain a presence beyond that area. Southeast Asia is one region that’s now receiving increased attention as a potential beachhead for the…

The Danish anti- and de-radicalization strategy involves three interwoven elements: (a) an early prevention and exit programme, (b) prosecution of radicalized persons who have committed violent crimes (in Denmark or in a foreign country), including measures such as confiscation of passport, and (c) prevention and countering of threats to national…

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) relies heavily on propaganda in the form of videos distributed over social media to recruit supporters and new members to its cause, including from the U.S. The U.S. government has countered with anti-ISIS propaganda videos; however, sources claim that the U.S. is…