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.

ISD resources for policymakers and Officials

ISD has a 20-year track record of helping governments at all levels. Our work includes policy advisory support, cutting-edge analysis, and monitoring of the threat landscape to safeguard national security and individual rights.

Threat detection, research and analysis

We provide governments with the best-in-class data analysis to combat a range of emerging threats both online and offline. Our analysis tracks the connections between extremist networks and offline violence, dissects the role of foreign interference in regional politics, and explores a variety of threats to democracy across different jurisdictions.

Policy advisory support

We use evidence and expertise to make sure regulations can adapt and last. Our Digital Policy Lab (DPL) convenes regulators and other officials from to discuss threats to democracy, free speech and public safety.

Please email us at [email protected] if you would like to learn more about this work.

May 21, 2026

Addressing the Intersection of Misogyny, Targeted Hate and Violent Extremism

Targeted Threats, Hate and Abuse, Tech Accountability and Safety

March 10, 2026

The 2025 Annual Review of Plots and Attacks Across the US

Hybrid Extremism and Nihilistic Violence, Islamist Extremism, Terrorism and Extremism, Threat Analysis and Prevention

December 11, 2025

Spotting the Signs: Recognizing and Responding to Subcultures of Nihilistic Violence

Hybrid Extremism and Nihilistic Violence, Terrorism and Extremism

October 29, 2025

Addressing Illegal Harms on Small and Emerging Platforms: Challenges and Gaps

Tech Accountability and Safety, Tech Legislation and Regulation

July 30, 2025

Emerging Extremism-Related Threats in the UK: Implications for Policy Responses

Terrorism and Extremism

MORE Resources for policymakers and OfficIals

July 10, 2024

Protecting rights and democracy: The road ahead for the new UK government

Issues related to extremism, hate and disinformation were a major focus of the 2024 UK General Election, both on the campaign trail and at the ballot

Democratic Integrity, Terrorism and Extremism

June 28, 2024

Policy Brief: Managing the Release of American ISIS Arrestees

This policy brief examines six case studies of recently released American ISIS arrestees to highlight the lack of disengagement from extremist ideolog

Islamist Extremism

June 19, 2024

Pulling Back the Curtain: An Exploration of YouTube’s Recommendation Algorithm

This is the executive summary of ISD’s Pulling Back the Curtain series which explores different aspects of YouTube’s recommendation algorithm.

Information Warfare and Online Manipulation, Kids Online Safety, Recommender Systems and Algorithms

May 10, 2024

Conspiracy Theories: A Guide for Members of Parliament and Candidates

This guide was produced to inform Members of Parliament and parliamentary candidates in the UK about the dangers of conspiracies, discussing their app

Resources, Terrorism and Extremism, Training and Educational Resources

April 26, 2024

Beyond Definitions: The Need for a Comprehensive Human Rights-Based UK Extremism Policy Strategy

This policy paper lays out the contours of an increasingly hybridised extremism threat landscape facing the UK, before considering the key components of a holistic policy strategy rooted in a rights framework.

Terrorism and Extremism, Training and Educational Resources

January 23, 2024

The German Far Right Online: A Longitudinal Study

This study analyses the behaviour of the German-speaking far right within, and across, a variety of online platforms.

Far-Right Extremism, Terrorism and Extremism

January 22, 2024

Terrorism, Extremism, Disinformation and Artificial Intelligence: A Primer for Policy Practitioners

An intro to AI's intersection with focus areas covered by ISD's Digital Policy Lab (DPL), including key concepts, challenges, and solutions.

Recommender Systems and Algorithms, Tech Accountability and Safety

December 19, 2023

Caution, manipulated! A Guide for Communication Managers from MPs’ Offices, Ministries and Authorities

This guide provides an introduction to the strategic-communicative handling of information manipulation for politicians' comms teams.

Information Warfare and Online Manipulation, Resources