Violent Extremism Research Articles

Examining the Persisting and Desisting Online Posting Behaviors of Violent and Non-Violent Right-Wing Extremists

ABSTRACT There is an ongoing need for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to identify and examine the online posting behaviors of violent extremists prior to their engagement in violence offline, but little is empirically known about their online presence generally or differences in their posting behaviors compared to their non-violent counterparts particularly. Even less is empirically known about their persisting and desisting posting patterns. This study drew from a unique sample of violent and non-violent right-wing extremists to examine online changes in posting patterns during the beginning, middle, and end of their observed posting activity. Here, we identified persister and desister posters to create four sample groups: non-violent persisters, non-violent desisters, violent persisters, and violent desisters. We then calculated the average number of posts for each sample group as well as quantified the existence of extremist ideologies and violent extremist mobilization efforts across each observed posting period. Overall, we identified several noteworthy posting patterns that may assist law enforcement and intelligence agencies in identifying credible threats online. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of the analysis, its limitations, and avenues for future research.

Countering Radicalization in the North Caucasus

Abstract By the mid-2010s, a significant decrease in the number of jihadists in the North Caucasus, in addition to internal ideological differences, was facilitated by fundamental factors: the lack of mass support in local Muslim communities, the anti-terrorism activities of the state, its informational and ideological support, and the policy of post-conflict integration. The number of supporters of the Caucasus Emirate decreased due to the split after the 2014 Olympics in Sochi; in 2015, the Caucasus Emirate officially ceased its activities, and after 2017, the flow of radical Islamists leaving Russia and joining ISIS stopped—violent extremism has begun to de-escalate in the region. To reduce ethnoreligious extremism and strengthen the integration of Muslims into Russian society, the federal government adopted a multi-level deradicalization strategy, including anti-terrorism operations and a large-scale policy of co-optation and support for moderate Russian Muslim leaders and their traditional communities.

Beyond binary: Analyzing closed-source data to compare specific roles and behaviors within violent and nonviolent terrorist involvement.

Increasingly, studies compare risk and protective factors for involvement in violent and nonviolent terrorist behaviors. This exploratory study investigates whether this distinction is sufficient, or whether it should be disaggregated further into more granular terrorist roles and behaviors. Using data on 404 referrals to a UK countering violent extremism Prevent hub specializing in mental health and associated needs, we compare violent and nonviolent referrals, and then more specific behaviors (vulnerability, proactive extremism, foreign fighting, and violence planning). Bivariate and multivariate analyses show there is value in disaggregating beyond the binary violence versus nonviolence distinction, as more (and more detailed) relationships emerged when using the disaggregated set of behaviors. While gender did not differentiate violent and nonviolent referrals, women were more likely to be referred for radicalization vulnerability or potential foreign fighting. Extreme right-wing and extreme Islamist referrals were no more or less violent overall, but Islamist referrals were disproportionately referred for both the most and least violent behaviors. Personality and developmental disorders were associated with violence, and disaggregated behaviors provided detailed insight into the drivers of these associations. These exploratory findings, while interesting, likely do not generalize beyond our specific sample. Instead, this study's value lies in demonstrating the utility for both research and, eventually, practice of disaggregating beyond violence and nonviolence. The results demonstrate clear operational implications for threat assessment in the need to include a more refined set of risk factors to aid in assessing risk of more relevant outcomes than terrorist involvement overall.

Impact of psycho-social support and counselling services in mitigating the risk of radicalisation among youths

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of psycho-social support and counselling services in mitigating youth radicalisation in Mombasa County, Kenya. Violent extremism poses significant risks to youth in vulnerable regions, and while psycho-social interventions have been implemented, their impact remains uncertain. This study specifically investigates whether these services enhance mental health, promote behavioural change, and build resilience against radical ideologies. Using a mixed-methods design, data were collected from 384 youth participants through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Findings indicate that sixty-one per cent of participants are aware of the available support services, revealing a need for improved outreach. Notably, sixty-eight per cent reported improvements in mental health and coping skills, and seventy-three per cent observed positive behavioural changes, which reduced their susceptibility to radicalisation. These results highlight the potential of psycho-social support in fostering resilience among at-risk youth, though limitations in awareness and accessibility persist. To enhance these services' impact, recommendations include targeted outreach programs, stigma reduction campaigns, and expansion of services to marginalised areas.

SYNERGY IN SECURITY: EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF COLLABORATIVE STRATEGIES EMPLOYED BY THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA IN COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM

In the face of evolving security threats, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) stand at a critical juncture, where the echoes of gunfire meet the whispers of diplomacy. This study delves into the heart of Nigeria's counter-extremism efforts, examining the AFN's journey from traditional military approaches to a symphony of collaborative strategies. Through an extensive literature review, the study unravels the tapestry of stakeholder engagement woven by the AFN in their quest to combat violent extremism. This research navigates the complex terrain of Nigeria's security landscape, exploring how the AFN has transformed from a lone sentinel to a conductor of a diverse orchestra of stakeholders. It analyses key initiatives such as the National Security Strategy and the National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, viewing them as scores that guide this intricate performance of national security. The study reveals a narrative of progress punctuated by persistent challenges. It found that while the AFN has successfully harmonized efforts with civil society, religious leaders, and international partners, discordant notes of mistrust and resource constraints continue to resonate. The analysis uncovers the delicate balance the AFN must maintain – striking a chord between military might and community engagement, between national sovereignty and international collaboration. Emerging from our review is a portrait of an armed force in transition, learning to wield soft power alongside hard power. The study identifies innovative practices where the AFN has successfully bridged divides, creating unexpected alliances in the fight against extremism. However, we also highlight the unfinished symphony – areas where the collaboration falls short of its potential. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on military transformation in the face of asymmetric threats. By examining the AFN's collaborative strategies, it provides insights applicable not only to Nigeria but to armed forces globally grappling with similar security challenges. As the AFN continues to compose its response to violent extremism, this research offers both a reflection on its current performance and a prelude to future harmonies in national security efforts.

Mobilizing extremism: an examination of the travel patterns of right-wing extremists in the United States

ABSTRACT Extensive criminological research has documented a ‘distance-decay’ effect in criminal activity, with offenders less likely to commit crimes farther from their residences. While recent studies have identified similar patterns in ideologically motivated violence, variation in the travel behaviors of extremists remains underexplored. Using data on right-wing extremists who carried out a violent plot, between 2000 and 2020, alongside information on Capitol insurrectionist arrestees – and drawing on routine activity and rational-choice theories of offender decision-making – this study extends this literature along three dimensions: type, time, and ties. First, we distinguish between different types of offenders, showing that while both violent extremists and insurrectionists exhibit distance-decays, the latter tend to travel farther and exhibit a more irregular decay. Secondly, we identify a meaningful temporal shift in the right-wing extremist landscape, with offenders increasingly traveling longer distances to execute their plots. Finally, we highlight the role of social ties in shaping travel behaviors, where individuals affiliated with extremist groups tend to travel longer distances. These findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the spatial behavior of right-wing extremists, the factors influencing their mobility, and the evolving nature of right-wing extremism in the United States.

Understanding the rise in violent extremism in Pakistan through the lens of securitization theory

ABSTRACT Over the last three decades, the phenomenon of violent extremism, primarily religious and ethno-nationalist extremism, has emerged as one of the biggest security challenges for Pakistan. With continuous technological innovations and advancements, the nature of violent extremism is constantly evolving, and now more than ever, it is threatening Pakistan’s social fabric, causing domestic disharmony and leading to unrest and terrorism. More importantly, it adversely affects the state’s foreign relations. This study aims to comprehensively examine the complex interplay of factors contributing to violent extremism in Pakistan. By investigating both the root causes and the ensuing effects through the Securitization paradigm’s lens, this research seeks to develop effective policy strategies to combat this growing threat. The securitization paradigm is crucial for understanding how extremist ideologies are constructed as existential threats, shaping societal responses and informing counter-extremism measures. The paper follows a mixed approach based on descriptive and critical analytical qualitative research methods.

Analyzing violent attacker texts: examining ideologies through machine learning-assisted topic modeling

ABSTRACT The rise in extremist violence is a global concern, prompting advancements in threat assessment. This study applies machine learning to dissect publicly available texts from violent attackers with white supremacist, incel, and political extremist ideologies, as well as from those driven by personal grievances. Through natural language processing, the research identifies specific linguistic patterns and themes inherent to each group and explores the intersections among them. It uncovers shared narratives of disenfranchisement and aggression alongside unique ideological signifiers. Additionally, it identifies themes unique to each group, offering a clear thematic distinction between ideologies. These insights contribute to a more accurate identification of radicalization indicators, supporting the development of intervention strategies tailored to the ideological nuances of each group. Enhanced threat assessment tools informed by this research can improve the precision of prevention efforts by law enforcement and mental health professionals, reflecting the complex realities of extremist motivations and actions.

Mapping the colonial modernity of preventing/countering violent extremism (P/CVE)

Mapping the colonial modernity of preventing/countering violent extremism (P/CVE)

Moderating Role of Gender in Association Between Exposure to Home and Community Violence on Violent Extremism

Moderating Role of Gender in Association Between Exposure to Home and Community Violence on Violent Extremism

Radicalisation in adolescents: mental health considerations for violent extremism.

To outline current understanding and recommended mental health and psychiatric considerations for radicalisation and violent extremism among adolescents. Overview of recent research regarding violent extremism in adolescents and relationships with mental illness and other psychosocial determinants. Relevant international and Australasian research is outlined, with an emphasis on adolescents. Psychiatric considerations, intervention and policy implications will be explored. Adolescents who become radicalised form a heterogenous group with complex, multifaceted needs from mental disorder, familial, societal and/or environmental contributions. Thus, assessment and management need to be individualised. Mental health clinicians working with at-risk and radicalised adolescents should maintain a high index of suspicion for mental illness (particularly psychosis and depressive disorder) and neurodevelopmental disorder. Identified psychiatric conditions warrant prioritised mental health treatment. There may be a relationship between specific psychopathology and certain ideological beliefs and behaviours. Radicalised adolescents pose challenges with risk of serious harm to others, presentation complexity, multifactorial contributors and associations with varied psychopathology. All adolescents at risk of radicalisation or who are radicalised, should receive comprehensive mental health assessment and prompt assertive treatment of identified psychiatric conditions.

Letter to the editor: historical maps and violent extremism in Wolkait, Western Tigray, Ethiopia

Letter to the editor: historical maps and violent extremism in Wolkait, Western Tigray, Ethiopia

Right-wing ethno-nationalists and jihadi Salafists

Right-wing ethno-nationalists and jihadi Salafists Morten Bøås, from the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI), examines the similarities between right-wing ethno-nationalists and jihadi Salafists. It may seem strange to argue that people who subscribe to immensely opposing ideologies should have anything in common. However, recent research suggests that this may not be as strange as one initially thought. The PREVEX project, but also like-minded studies, have shown that religious beliefs and ideological conviction matter less for individuals who initially move into the ‘world’ of violent extremism. The path of radicalisation is not one paved with strong beliefs about religion or ideology. For most, it is something else that makes them make choices that, unfortunately, so easily and dramatically can transform their life trajectory.

Kenya: Socio-Demographic Determinants of Intractable Communal Land Use Conflicts in the Squatter Enclaves of Mount Elgon Region

In the post-Cold War world order, the African Continent has been a stage for some of the most violent intra-state conflicts arising from natural resources and land distribution. These contes tations have often been inter-communal and take the violent extremism route. The consequences of these devastating contestations have been apocalyptic in most of these conflicts. In Kenya’s Mount Elgon Region, the emergence of extremism Sabaot Land Defence Forces and counter-extremist groups is rooted in a long historical struggle for equitable distribution of land rights. Despite efforts by state and non-state actors, sustainable peace remains a distant mirage. Socio-economic deter minants have emerged as fundamental determinants in these extremist contestations, yet, extant literature has been silent on this subject matter. This paper sought to interrogate socio-demographic determinants as pathways for homegrown extremism in the Mount Elgon Region. Study findings revealed strong support for the interplay between ownership of land, source of income, level of education, and sustenance of homegrown extremism over land-use conflicts in the study area. The paper recommends the need for the Ministry of Lands to expedite the management of the historical land question to contain the socio-demographic determinants as pathways for homegrown ex tremism in the study area. The findings under score the importance of land tenure security in pursuit of peaceful, just, and inclusive societies as advocated for in the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030. Keywords: Demographic, extremism, home grown, land-use, Mt. Elgon.

Identity and influence - RE professional’s views on the inclusion of far-right extremism as a topic within Religious Education lessons

AbstractThis research addresses the concerning influence of far-right extremism on pupils in England, highlighting risks leading to potential radicalisation and violent extremism. Conducted through focus groups at the national RE conference ‘RExChange 2022’, the study explores whether and how far-right extremism should be integrated into the Religious Education (RE) curriculum. Findings suggest that RE can play a vital role in countering extremist narratives, particularly those with antisemitic and Islamophobic elements, by fostering tolerance, respect, and critical thinking. Despite RE’s potential, challenges arise due to its locally determined nature and inconsistent provision across schools. The study concludes with recommendations for including topics about far-right extremism in RE, aiming to build pupils’ resilience against radicalisation and support informed decision-making.

스토킹 범죄자의 심리프로파일 필요성에 대한 연구

Since the implementation of domestic legislation related to stalking, stalking crimes have continuously increased, with numerous cases escalating to severe instances of murder, thereby raising social awareness about the seriousness of stalking. While research on stalking in South Korea has developed in various forms over the years, most previous studies have focused on limited topics. Although these diverse studies and attention are necessary for the prevention of stalking and effective responses, understanding and researching the psychological characteristics, motivations, and the traits of violence risk, especially those indicating extreme violence like homicide, are critically needed. In contrast to South Korea, countries overseas have already made considerable progress in profiling research that categorizes types of stalking offenders to predict and classify their risk. Therefore, this study aims to introduce specific research on stalking typologies and psychological profiling to the domestic field by analyzing prior profiling studies from abroad. Particularly, overseas studies, which conduct profiling based on empirical research on their own stalking offenders, are expected to provide significant insights and implications for domestic research on stalking offender psychological profiling and the development of related policies.

Violent México: The War on Drugs, the Persistence of Oligarchies, and Gender Issues

Abstract México is powerfully associated with extreme violence. We explore why this should be in terms of the war on drugs, colonialism, oligarchic history, neoliberalism, and gender.

Violent Extremism: Work Stories of Women Police Officers in a Mobile Force Company in Eastern Philippines

This study delved into the work experiences of women police officers assigned in mobile force companies in the entirety of Samar. Criticized for its underperforming economy due to insurgent threats, this district provided a backdrop for exploring the role of women police officers in counter-insurgency programs. The research employed a phenomenological, qualitative approach to uncover deeper insights.This study used phenomenological research design. Ten (10) women police officers from various areas in Samar, including Allen, Pambujan, Calbayog, Catbalogan, Dolores and Quinapondan were chosen as informants. These officers, with a minimum of two years of experience, were selected from the Samar provincial police records.Interviews were conducted and recorded using a smartphone application, ensuring detailed and accurate transcriptions. Most responses were in English, with a small portion in the local dialect, which was translated for clarity.The study identified nine emergent themes: Community Engagement and Trust, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Community Resilience and Peacebuilding, Mental Health and Resilience, Gender Dynamics and Cultural Sensitivity, Operational Challenges and Adaptation, Personal Growth, Professional Development and Strategic and Tactical Innovation and Women's Leadership and Empowerment . These themes highlighted the importance of of the role of women police officers between the police and community, acknowledged the risks in implementing counter-insurgency programs, and noted the challenges of funding and aligning with government initiatives. The officers expressed continuous effort and aspiration in their roles, emphasizing the need for recognition in the role of women police officers.

The Local “Salad Bar” of Hate: Global Hegemonic Masculinity in Australia’s Extreme Right

This paper examines a local manifestation of extreme right political mobilisation in Australia from the standpoint of Connell and Messerschmidt's (2005) global hegemonic masculinity. Using Messerschmidt and Rohde’s (2018) methods for analysing violent extremists’ public statements, we examine public blog posts by “The Lads [sic] Society” to scrutinise the relationship between local advocacy for a white ethno-state in Australia and global hegemonic masculinities. The analysis finds that localised white nationalism is both a response to, and constituted by, the tensions of global hegemonic masculinity and is, in part, an attempt to reclaim localised white hegemonic masculinity in the face of a multitude of perceived global societal failures. Through the analysis, this paper contributes to Messerschmidt and Rohde’s (2018) claim that various global hegemonic masculinities simultaneously coexist and compete, while pointing to how discursive processes continue to redefine masculinities at the local level. The paper also responds to a broader invitation to incorporate gender analysis into the study of extreme political movements, enabling a more critical understandings of the motivations and experiences of those that participate in them.

Organize and Fight (Online): Assessing the Discursive Extremism of Anti-Lockdown Groups in Australia

ABSTRACT Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-lockdown movements sparked concerns about online extremism escalating into real-world violence. This study takes the Australian anti-lockdown movement to explore extremist discourse in Australia, as it contained several, overlapping and interacting extremisms. This study explores the labelling of these protests as extreme and examines the interplay between individuals, ideologies and discourse. Understanding the definitions and labels of extremism is fundamental for identifying and countering potential threats, as it distinguishes harmful rhetoric from extremist discourse and enables precise, informed interventions. A qualitative close reading revealed that while Australian anti-lockdown discourse contained crisis narratives and group antagonisms, it did not consistently meet the structural definition of extremism. This is partly due to the problem of coding violence, which lies in the lack of a clear comparative threshold to determine whether a discursive claim, rhetoric, or cultural reference signifies violence or violent intent. While not meeting the structural definition of extremism, there was evidence of specific structural attributes that logically precede extremism and the emergence of violence. By reconceptualizing extremism as a temporal dynamic, this research explores the relationship between discursive and violent extremism, shedding light on the complexities of extremist movements and their social impact.