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OUR MISSION

We offer specialized expertise, research and services on violent extremism, terrorism, and deradicalization. Our aim is to generate cutting-edge insights in this field and help to improve society as a whole. We believe that progress in this area has been slow compared to other advancements, and urgent changes are required to adapt to a world that is becoming increasingly complex.

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OUR PROJECTS

At the heart of our mission is a commitment to making a positive impact through our work. That's why we're proud to be involved in a number of projects that have been generously supported by the European Union and other donors. If you want to see what we're up to, take a closer look at our current projects.

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Check out our free online repository in German language on everything regarding right-wing extremism, Islamist extremism, conspiracy theories and more.

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Cover of online magazine "Journal for deradicalization"

DOING IT AGAIN

Assessing the features and implications of terrorism recidivism of jihadi attacks in Europe -
by Erik Hacker (researcher at SCENOR) and Daniela Pisoiu (senior researcher at oiip)

This article focuses on the issue of terrorism recidivism as it relates specifically to terrorist attacks. Based on the analysis of a dataset comprising information on jihadi attacks and their perpetrators in Europe between 2014 and 2022, it presents a number of interesting findings, such as: attacks committed by terrorism recidivists have a significantly higher impact in terms of casualties.

Two male Jihadist fighters, one laying his right arm on the right shoulder of the other, one is wearing a Palestine scarf on the head, the other around his neck

THE ISKP'S WESTERN AMBITIONS

Following Al-Qaeda's footsteps of global jihad from Afghanistan - by Erik Hacker, Researcher at SCENOR

KEY INSIGHTS:

Zeitgeist: Recent global and European political developments (Israel-Hamas war and Quran-burning incidents in Scandinavian countries) have revitalised the European jihadist movement. However, there are currently no realistic opportunities for newly mobilised jihadists in the West to join a foreign terrorist group abroad. That incentivises domestic terrorist attacks in the West.

ISKP is about to fill the global jihadist power vacuum: Despite the current sociopolitical environment favouring jihadist mobilisation, major foreign terrorist organisations known for their international capabilities struggle to take advantage of that. Da'esh has failed to produce a charismatic leader and continues to focus on local insurgency. Meanwhile, Al-Qaeda does not appear to have the necessary appeal in the West to orchestrate attacks.

ISKP's primary objective:
The primary objective is to establish a caliphate in Afghanistan and surrounding countries, with the Taliban regime continuing to be its most significant obstacle. Attacks against the West are merely an instrument to advance ISKP's regional goal in Southeast Asia.

ISKP has the following four incentives to attack the West:

(1) Weaken and delegitimise the Taliban regime on the international stage because it has not lived up to its counterterrorism promises

(2) Increase financial and operational support from Da'esh by maintaining the Da'esh brand as the dominant global jihadist entity

(3) Raise the group's status and appeal in the global jihadi movement and increase the inflow of donations and foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs)

(4) Provoke anti-Muslim sentiment in Western societies or even retaliatory strikes

ISKP uses the following three-pronged strategy for its external operations in the West:

- Inspire attacks via multi-lingual propaganda

- "Virtual planner”, which consists of assisting or instructing attacks on the West by local supporters through online support

- Dispatching trained operatives who are smuggled into Europe via Turkey and Ukraine

Online gamer with head phones in front of a screen

EXTREMISTS & ONLINE GAMING

Radicalization online - In recent years, particularly since the 2019 livestreamed attack in Christchurch, New Zealand, video games, gamer communities, and online plattforms made for gaming and related activities, have moved to the center of attention of policy, practice, and academia working on preventing and countering (violent) extremism (P/CVE).

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JIHADI ATTACKS IN EUROPE

Trends & features 2014-2022 - by Erik Hacker, researcher at SCENOR: based on an original dataset of jihadi terrorist attacks in Europe between 2014 and 2022, this report provides data on the temporal and spatial aspects of attacks, the weapon(s) used, target(s), the number of perpetrators, number of casualties (dead/injured), the perpetrators’ terrorist group affiliation, the perpetrators’ criminal record, authorities’ knowledge about the perpetrators being potential threats, surveillance status, mental health conditions, asylum seeker status, age, convert status, citizenship, and employment.

5. Flugblatt der Widerstandsgruppe Weisse Rose vom Jänner 1943 in deutscher Sprache

WHITE ROSE RESISTANCE GROUP

Living in freedom - Sometimes we need to remember the values of a free and democratic state which we take for granted - read the 5th leaflet of the White Rose Resistance Group of January 1943 in which they remind us, in outstanding bravery - for which many had to pay the ultimate price.

Picture of heavily armed police or soldiers patrolling in daylight in Paris

PROTECTING RIGHTS

Guidelines of the Fundamental Rights Agency on how to counter terrorism but protect fundamental rights - Acts of terrorism represent a serious threat to the lives and safety of people, and a profound security challenge for states. At the same time, laws and policies to counter the threat of terrorism can entail, directly or indirectly, serious limitations to fundamental rights and freedoms, finds a new report from the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). Drawn from expert insight, it suggests how counter terrorism work can benefit from greater legal clarity, practical guidance and stronger safeguards.

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RECENT BLOGPOSTS

JIHADI ATTACKS AND PLOTS IN EUROPE: A NEW WAVE OF TERRORISM?

Europe's jihadist threat evolves: Fewer attacks but rising plots. Analyse trends, profiles, and emerging tactics in this in-depth report.

FROM MARGINS TO TARGETS: HOW TO COUNTER EXCLUSION AND PROTECT RELIGIOUS MINORITIES

Researcher José Luis Salido-Medina on the dangers faced by minority religious communities due to social and spatial exclusion

UNVEILING THE POPULIST PARADOX: HOW FREEDOM OF SPEECH IMPACTS RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND SAFETY

Niels Verster on how populism blurs the line between freedom of speech and religious safety.

INSIDE EUROPEAN EXIT WORK: KEY PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES

Understanding Extremist Reintegration: Robert Örell explores European Exit work & delves into successful reintegration strategies.

TREATING MENTAL HEALTH IN THE FIGHT AGAINST RADICALIZATION

Guillaume Monod on the issue of radicalised individuals with mental health problems - and recommended approaches.

PLAYING AGAINST RADICALIZATION

Linda Schlegel, Research Fellow at modus|zad, on the positive effects of gaming and how to use it to prevent violent extremism.

OUR COOPERATION PARTNERS

Senatorin für Justiz und Verfassung in Bremen, senator for justice and constitution in Bremen

European Foundation for South Asian Studies, EFSAS,