Examining Extremism

Extremist movements around the world 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 extremist 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.

The Examining Extremism series from the Transnational Threats Project breaks down the latest data trends on attacks and plots, provides background on key actors and ideologies, and assesses the threat posed by extremists in the United States and globally.