Extremism
ISD combines research with an advanced digital analysis capability to track, measure and analyse extremism online.
Extremism is the advocacy of a system of belief that claims the superiority and dominance of one identity-based ‘in-group’ over all ‘out-groups.’ It propagates a dehumanising ‘othering’ mind-set that is antithetical to pluralism and the universal application of Human Rights.
Using our digital analytics tools and ethnographic research capabilities, our analysts monitor and assess the scale and threat of Islamist extremism, far-right extremism, left-wing extremism and ethno-nationalism online.
ISD combines digital analysis with policy advisory support and training to governments and cities around the world facing extremist threats. In the course of our work, we have sought to prevent violent extremism in the classroom; analysed the consequences of extremist ideologies that become mainstreamed; and assisted with the rehabilitation and reintegration of foreign fighters and their families.
We develop education resources to explicitly address extremism online, and collaborate with networks of community influencers, city and government officials and the tech sector. Together, we are better able to counter the radicalisation and recruitment strategies of state and non-state actors promulgating extremism and hate.
Our research team’s language capabilities allow us to monitor channels in English, French, Arabic, German, Italian, Spanish, Swedish and Polish. We brief and advise an international range of policy makers, including government, security and intelligence agencies.
ISD’s Extremism Analysis team

Moustafa Ayad
Executive Director for Africa, the Middle East and Asia (AMEA)


Rashad Ali
Resident Senior Fellow


Jacob Davey
Head of Research & Policy, Far-right and Hate Movements


Milo Comerford
Head of Policy & Research, Counter-Extremism
