Policy & Advisory
For over a decade, ISD has driven international debate and pioneered innovative policy-making to counter extremism, hate, disinformation and polarisation.
ISD formulates and advocates policy change at the international, national and local levels. We do this in order to support 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 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.
Our policy leadership has led the charge on many emerging areas 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’.
Good Web Project:
We advise governments, cities and tech companies on policies and strategies to mitigate the online harms we face today and achieve a ‘Good Web’ that reflects our liberal democratic values, prioritises safety and public health, and sanctions harmful activity online.
The FREE Initiative:
The FREE Initiative is the first pan-European resource to offer practical guidance on countering far-right extremism across Europe. It aims to inspire and promote cross-border learning among those working against violent far-right extremism.
ISD’s Policy & Advisory team

Milo Comerford
Head of Policy & Research, Counter-Extremism

Milo Comerford
Head of Policy & Research, Counter-Extremism

Chloe Colliver
Head of Digital Policy and Strategy


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

Jacob Davey
Head of Research & Policy, Far-right and Hate Movements
Follow @https://twitter.com/jacob_p_davey
Daniel Hooton
Head of Strong Cities Network International Programmes

Daniel Hooton
Head of Strong Cities Network International Programmes

Jennie King
Senior Policy Manager, Technology, Communications & Education

Jennie King
Senior Policy Manager, Technology, Communications & Education

Henry Tuck
Head of Policy & Research

Henry Tuck
Head of Policy & Research