Policy & Advisory
For over a decade, ISD has provided data-driven insights to policy makers to advance international debate and support initiatives to counter extremism, hate and disinformation.
ISD supports central and local governments, cities and international organisations in designing and delivering targeted responses to hate, extremism, terrorism, polarisation and disinformation.
We have delivered strategic advice and training to over 44 governments and 135 cities worldwide, providing both the subject-specific expertise and local insights required to drive effective action across the civil society, private and public sectors.
ISD’s approach is rooted in rigorous data analysis, as well as experience pioneering and evaluating new approaches in contexts across the globe. Combined, these allow us to navigate the sensitivities and complexities of such topics as they evolve. This includes offerring insight on many emerging trends and threats, including:
- The transnational mobilisation of the far-right
- The growth and proliferation of conspiracy theories
- The role of women in extremist movements
- How social media algorithms amplify hate and disinformation
- Response mechanisms in the wake of terror attacks
- Election interference from state and non-state actors
- Impact-driven strategies for prevention, disengagement and rehabilitation
ISD is uniquely positioned to consult and convene a wide spectrum of stakeholders from the grassroots through to government. We contribute to policy reform and consultation with platforms like the EU, United Nations and national ministries, while maintaining an ongoing partnership with the community organisations, activists and youth groups who can enact change from the bottom up.
Policy & Advisory Programmes
Strong Cities Network
ISD recognises that cities are uniquely placed to safeguard their citizens from polarisation and radicalisation to create stronger and safer communities. Our global network of mayors, municipal-level policy makers and practitioners to build social cohesion and resilience to counter violent extremism in all its forms.
Digital Policy
Our digital policy analysis and advice seeks to create a safer online space that encourages free speech whilst championing human rights. We use our position as an independent expert organisation to help governments, tech companies and researchers generate coordinated responses to these issues.
Global Counterterrorism Forum
ISD co-chairs the Global Counterterrorism Forum’s initiative on ‘Strategic Communications and Social Media Aspects in Preventing/Countering Violent Extremism’.
The FREE Initiative
The FREE Initiative was the first pan-European resource to offer practical guidance on countering far-right extremism across Europe. It aimed to inspire and promote cross-border learning among those working against violent far-right extremism.
ISD’s Policy & Advisory team
Eric Rosand
Executive Director, Strong Cities Network
Eric Rosand
Executive Director, Strong Cities Network
Jiore Craig
Resident Senior Fellow, Digital Integrity
Milo Comerford
Director of Policy & Research, Counter-Extremism
Jacob Davey
Director of Policy & Research, Counter-Hate
Jennie King
Director of Climate Disinformation Research and Policy
Henry Tuck
Director of Digital Policy
Helena Schwertheim
Senior Digital Policy and Research Manager