For 20 years, ISD has delivered field-leading threat detection, analysis and real-world strategies to combat terrorism, extremism and authoritarianism - in all their ideological forms.
Explainers provide overviews of issues, trends, narratives, platforms and actors across our issue areas of extremism, hate, information operations, polarisation and tech accountability.
Use the filter to narrow down your results by specific issues.
The ‘Great Reset’
Misconceptions about the 'Great Reset', a World Economic Forum initiative responding to COVID-19, have fuelled conspiracy theories in recent years.
ISD Germany, ISD UK, ISD-US
Hybrid Extremism and Nihilistic Violence, Targeted Threats, Hate and Abuse, Terrorism and Extremism
Discord & Extremism
While Discord has primarily been a space marketed to gamers, over the years there have been multiple instances of extremist activity on the platform.
Gaming and Alternative Platforms, Terrorism and Extremism
The ‘Great Reset’
Misconceptions about the 'Great Reset', a World Economic Forum initiative responding to COVID-19, have fuelled conspiracy theories in recent years.
Hybrid Extremism and Nihilistic Violence, Targeted Threats, Hate and Abuse, Terrorism and Extremism
Memes & the Extreme Right-Wing
This Explainer provides an overview of the use of internet memes by the extreme right wing.
Climate lockdown’ is a conspiracy theory alleging global elites exploit climate change to justify curtailing freedoms and civil liberties.
Climate, Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference
all Explainers
Gangstalking and Targeted Individuals
‘Targeted individuals’ (TIs) are those who believe they are victims of gangstalking by adversaries, often claiming government involvement.
ISD-US
Targeted Threats, Hate and Abuse, Threat Analysis and Prevention
EU Digital Services Act
This Explainer covers EU's Digital Services Act and its impact on ISD's efforts against election risks, terrorism, extremism & tech accountability.
ISD Germany, ISD UK
Tech Accountability and Safety, Tech Legislation and Regulation
US ‘Antifa’ Groups
'Antifa' groups operate in a mostly decentralized way but share a belief that they're resisting fascist ideology, primarily through protests and count
ISD-US
Far-Left Extremism, Targeted Threats, Hate and Abuse, Threat Analysis and Prevention
‘Saints Culture’
The "Saints Culture" in the white supremacist movement glorifies hate-motivated violence, a trend revived in online spaces.
ISD-US
Far-Right Extremism, Hybrid Extremism and Nihilistic Violence, Targeted Threats, Hate and Abuse, Terrorism and Extremism, Threat Analysis and Prevention
Hizb ut-Tahrir
This article explains Hizb ut-Tahrir's activities and ideologies and its recent designation as a terrorist organization in the UK.
ISD UK
Islamist Extremism, Terrorism and Extremism
Northern Ireland Related Terrorism
Northern Ireland Related Terrorism (NIRT) is a persistent and uniquely challenging threat often overlooked in the UK's broader terrorism landscape.
ISD UK
Terrorism and Extremism
Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred
Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate involve dehumanizing, harassing, threatening, or inciting violence based on Muslim identity or perceived identity.
ISD UK, ISD-US
Anti-Muslim, Identity-Based Hate and Abuse, Terrorism and Extremism
Gen Z Digital Salafism
Salafism's strict rules, strong group identity, and rejection of mainstream Islamic norms attract Gen Z Muslims seeking a rebellious counterculture.
ISD UK, ISD-US
Gaming and Alternative Platforms, Islamist Extremism, Terrorism and Extremism