Is al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) on a path of decline?

The drawing down of Operation Barkhane provides an opportunity for the reappraisal of counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel. Rather than just looking at ways of increasing the efficacy of military operations, a broader approach could integrate insights from literature on how terrorist groups end.

Mixed Signals: Assessing Japan’s Prospects to Join the Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance

Based on a forthcoming journal article, we examine the considerations in play for prospective Japanese membership of the ‘Five Eyes’ signals intelligence alliance, the barriers to entry for third-parties, and the idea and reality of the alliance in international politics.

Rethinking cyber policy in Europe

The second edition of the Big Cyber Ideas Festival (BCIF) is an online event taking place September 21-23, 2021, with the purpose of exploring key questions for cybersecurity and digital policy in Europe.

How feasible is a counter-narrative in preventing radicalisation?

For those who work to stop radicalisation from happening, the feasibility of what is termed a ‘counter-narrative’ usually divides the room. How feasible is it to challenge something as complex and meaningful as a narrative?

Podcast Episode 3: The Troubles With Borders: a discussion with Ramesh Ganohariti and Jennifer Dowling

Jake, Ramesh, and Jen discuss the phenomenon of borders and their implications, using the case of post-Brexit Northern Ireland as a focal point.

Shifting Focus: Right-Wing Extremism in the Dutch Military

Homicide and Immigration: Trends and Developments

Between 1992 and 2020, roughly half of all homicide victims in the Netherlands were born abroad, which is striking as they only make up a small percentage of the population. We reflect on the representation of immigrant groups in the Dutch ‘homicide landscape’ over the last 30 years.

Dealing with Fake News: An Absolute Necessity, but How?

In today’s digitized society, we witness an ‘anarchy’ of data and information coming from a myriad of sources. Parts of it can be classified as ‘fake news’ but how can you distinguish real from fake?

How the fear of danger becomes dangerous

Regardless of the political context, century or continent, the primary motivator for war and struggle remains the instinctual fear of humans incited by their urge to survive. That fear can easily be fed by leaders systematically emphasizing that ‘something’ is at stake because ‘someone’ is a threat.