Conference Note: The Challenges of Researching Extremism Today

Abstract

On June 22, 2021, the DRIVE (Determining multilevel-led causes and testing intervention designs to Reduce radicalisation, extremIsm and political Violence in North-Western Europe through social inclusion) Horizon 2020 launch event was the occasion for five scholars who specialise in violent extremism and political violence to address the challenges of researching extremism today, both online and offline. The panellists discussed the need for a more inclusive and intersectional research landscape. Theories and methods for researching extremism were discussed alongside the responsibilities of researchers, including how to avoid the pitfalls of securitization and stigmatization. This conference note sums up the key takeaways discussed by the panellists.

Keywords

• radicalization
• extremism
• political violence
• social resarch