Global Radicalisation Report

This report introduces an innovative analytical perspective to examine radicalisation trends, hotspots, and stakeholders on a global level. The report builds upon a methodological and conceptual toolbox developed within the research project Deradicalisation in Europe and Beyond: Detect, Resolve, Reintegrate (D.Rad). While the D.Rad project primarily focuses on radicalisation processes in the EU and neighbouring regions, this report broadens the research scope to include additional major global actors facing challenges related to radicalisation. It features case studies from the USA, Brazil, India, Russia, and Ukraine.

The main finding of this report, in line with the D.Rad research, is that the processes of political radicalisation should be examined within the context of their social ecosystems and in conjunction with macro- and meso-structural trends. None of the stakeholders of radicalisation identified in the five countries in this report acted as lone wolves. Instead, they are embedded in, and inspired and supported by, their respective social ecosystems. Important macro-structural trends further influence the radicalisation processes within countries, but their impact is more complex and can sometimes also have adverse effects on stakeholders of radicalisation.

The main findings of this report align closely with the empirical insights from the D.Rad research on EU countries and their environs. Echoing the D.Rad findings, the report highlights key macro-structural trends, notably the significant role of social media and the crisis in political representation. In terms of stakeholders and hotspots of radicalisation, the report corroborates the D.Rad findings, highlighting that right-wing radicalisation is the most dominant trend, exerting more significant effects than left-wing radicalisation. Right-wing radicalisation trends were prevalent in all five countries under study, leading to various hotspots of radicalisation ranging from attempted coups to oppressive practices, military adventurism, and war.