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.