Examining Extremism

Breaking down the evolving threat posed by insurgents and violent extremists in the United States and globally.

Examining Extremism is a series by the Transnational Threats Project tracking insurgencies and extremist movements around the world that continue to pose a threat to citizens, governments, and civil society. In 2020, the number of domestic terrorist attacks and plots in the United States increased to its highest level since at least 1994. Europe faces a diversifying threat, including from far-right violent extremists, and Salafi-jihadist organizations continue to proliferate and expand their ambitions in regions like sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Moreover, as an increasing number of extremists develop transnational networks—including through the use of online platforms to share information and coordinate action—the nature of the threat is evolving.

All Examining Extremism Blog Posts

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Examining Extremism: Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS)

The Transnational Threats Project's Examining Extremism series provides an overview and assessment of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, a former Al Qaeda affiliate now seeking international legitimacy in Syria.

Blog Post by Mackenzie Holtz — August 3, 2023

Examining Extremism: Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)

The Transnational Threats Project's Examining Extremism series provides an overview and assessment of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, a nationalist insurgency that has a complicated relationship with both the U.S. and Turkey.

Blog Post by Alexander Palmer and Mackenzie Holtz — July 13, 2023

Examining Extremism: Lashkar-e-Taiba

The Transnational Threats Project’s Examining Extremism series provides an overview and assessment of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Kashmir-focused militant insurgent group that has carried out multiple high-profile attacks in India.

Blog Post — October 28, 2021

Examining Extremism: Harakat al Shabaab al Mujahideen (al Shabaab)

The Transnational Threats Project’s Examining Extremism series provides an overview and assessment of al Shabaab—an Islamist insurgent group that has waged a protracted insurgency in Somalia and launched attacks on regional states in East Africa.

Blog Post by Jake Harrington and Jared Thompson — September 23, 2021

Examining Extremism: Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP)

The Transnational Threats Project’s Examining Extremism series provides an overview and assessment of Islamic State Khorasan Province — a regional affiliate of the Islamic State operating in Central and South Asia.

Blog Post by Catrina Doxsee and Jared Thompson — September 8, 2021

Examining Extremism: Violent Animal Rights Extremists

The Transnational Threats Project’s Examining Extremism series provides an overview and assessment of U.S. animal rights extremists—violent, far-left extremists who aim to end the real or perceived abuse and exploitation of animals through sabotage and violence.

Blog Post — August 20, 2021

Examining Extremism: The Militia Movement

The Transnational Threats Project’s Examining Extremism series provides an overview and assessment of the U.S. militia movement—anti-government extremists that engage in paramilitary activities and are motivated by conspiracy theories and opposition to gun control.

Blog Post by Catrina Doxsee — August 12, 2021

Examining Extremism: U.S. Militant Anarchists

The Transnational Threats Project’s Examining Extremism series provides an overview and assessment of U.S. militant anarchists—violent, far-left extremists who oppose the existence of government and promote violence to induce societal change.

Blog Post — August 5, 2021

Examining Extremism: Allied Democratic Forces

The Transnational Threats Project’s Examining Extremism series provides an overview and assessment of the Allied Democratic Forces—an insurgent group operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with links to the Islamic State.

Blog Post by Jared Thompson — July 29, 2021

Examining Extremism: Islamic State in the Greater Sahara

The Transnational Threats Project’s Examining Extremism series provides an overview and assessment of Islamic State in the Greater Sahara—a Salafi-jihadist group expanding across the Sahel.

Blog Post by Jared Thompson — July 22, 2021