Terrorism and Political Violence
Research
Our research group and what we do:
Disciplinary backgrounds
To grapple with these complex and multifaceted issues, our research group brings together scholars from a range of disciplinary backgrounds, including sociology, criminology, psychology, political science, and critical terrorism studies. By combining applied research with theoretical insights, we aim to contribute to both academic debates and policy discussions on the prevention of radicalisation and terrorism.
Our work focuses on several key areas, including:
- Understanding the drivers of radicalisation
We examine the psychological, social, and structural factors that contribute to the radicalisation process, seeking to identify the pathways and mechanisms through which individuals become involved in extremist movements and terrorist activities. - Analysing the evolving tactics and strategies of extremist groups
We study the ways in which terrorist organisations and extremist networks adapt to changing circumstances, exploit new technologies, and innovate in their tactics and propaganda efforts. - Assessing the effectiveness of counter-terrorism policies
We evaluate the impact and unintended consequences of various counter-terrorism measures, from surveillance and intelligence gathering to de-radicalisation programmes and community engagement initiatives. - Exploring the role of media and public discourse
Through our research, we strive to generate evidence-based insights that can inform the development of more effective and nuanced approaches to preventing and countering terrorism and political violence. By shedding light on the complexities and challenges of this evolving threat landscape, we hope to contribute to a deeper understanding of these pressing issues and to the building of more resilient and inclusive societies.
The group investigates political violence, radicalisation, and extremism, as well as policy responses in the Global South, particularly examining how postcolonial legacies, structural inequalities, and contemporary geopolitical dynamics shape the manifestations of political violence (for example, in Iraq, Nigeria, Indonesia, Mali, and Kazakhstan). This critical perspective extends to an exploration of how experiences and knowledge production from the Global South can fundamentally reframe our understanding of radicalisation processes, challenging dominant epistemological assumptions and illuminating the complex intersections between local grievances, transnational networks, and global power structures.
Related research
Since late 2012 and early 2013, concerns about 'jihadism' or 'Islamist extremism' have dominated national security agendas in the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, the UK, and the US. These concerns are driven by citizens traveling to or returning from conflict zones in Syria/Iraq, particularly those joining the so-called Islamic State. This project inventories and monitors the laws and policies these countries use to address jihadism, comparing similarities and differences, and placing Dutch policies in an international context. Read more
During the 1980s and early 2000s, authors like Alex Schmid and Andrew Silke demonstrated the paucity of first-hand insights being used to study terrorism and the consequences this had for the reliability of the findings beings presented. But to what extent have these issues endured? Read more
How do the pathways of Dutch converts to Islam involved in jihadist movements differ from those of Dutch converts who are not, in terms of their life prior to Islam, their conversion experience and the form of involvement with the Islamic community after conversion? Read more
This project addresses the occurrence of political and ideological biased crimes in light of the recent migration influx in European countries. Read more
Research goal: To support the design of technologies (counter-measures and communication measures) for the prevention, interdiction and mitigation of lone actor extremist events (LOEEs), which are hard to anticipate, yet can be highly damaging to local and national communities and therefore must be addressed. Read more
Are terrorist suspects willing to reintegrate back into society? Can they reintegrate? Read more
In December 2014, Leiden University’s Institute of Security and Global Affairs with the Australian National University’s Asia-Pacific College of Diplomacy and the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism, commenced a research project to assess how (temporary) military interventions can best prepare the ground for an effective long term counter-terrorism policy. This research is sponsored by the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme. Read more
This project aims to improve understanding of, and responses to, the phenomenon of lone actors through analysis of comprehensive data on cases from across Europe. Read more
How to minimalise the chance of recidivism for extremist prisoners. Read more
An exploratory study on the role of family members of those who joined jihadist groups. Read more
This project compares and explains dynamics of cross-border cooperation among European actors in the field of counterterrorism (CT). Read more
Can conspiracy constructions explain for hatred of the system? And if so, should conspiracy constructions be considered to be a risk in terms of national security? Read more
When does radicalisation not lead to terrorist attacks? Read more
The research project Close Protection and Surveillance explores themes related to the system of close protection and surveillance (Dutch: bewaken en beveiligen) in the Netherlands. Read more
What are the main issues leading to polarisation and division? What is the role of social exclusion in these processes? How can we inform and design better policies to safeguard young people from falling prey to intolerance and polarisation? The DRIVE project, led by Leiden University in The Hague, seeks to address these questions by working with a consortium of nine partners from across North-Western Europe (two civil society organisations, a university hospital, and six universities). Read more