Extremism

Democracies protect the rights of all citizens to hold and promote diverse political views, but extremist political, social, racial, or religious ideologies can pose significant threats to societal cohesion and potentially foment violence. Far-left, far-right, racist, and other radical ideologies can play on citizens’ fears and target specific groups with hate speech, intimidation, and potential physical harm. 

Content

Dispatches

Mar 5, 2026

While the Iran conflict continues, the Afghanistan-Pakistan crisis is only getting worse

By Michael Kugelman

The war in Iran threatens to exacerbate the escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Afghanistan Conflict

Podcast

Feb 11, 2026

Narco noir: Drugs, gangs and mercenaries in Latin America

By Alia Brahimi

In Season 2, Episode 14 of the Guns for Hire podcast, host Alia Brahimi is joined by Dr Vanda Felbab-Brown, a renowned expert on non-state armed groups and organised crime. They begin by discussing the escalation of gang violence in Haiti over the last year, despite the arrival of the American PMC, Vectus Global, which is led by the Blackwater founder Erik Prince. Vanda points out that a recent air campaign weaponizing off-the-shelf drones was intended to decapitate the gangs but, while hundreds of Haitians have been killed, none of them have been significant gang leaders. They go on to explore why governments in the region allow and coopt street militias, the bunkering of fuel by colectivos in Venezuela, Hizballah’s continuing narcotics operations across Latin America, the IRGC’s role in drug trafficking, and how the regime in Iran ends.

Americas Caribbean

In the News

Feb 5, 2026

Charai for The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: Yemen Is Not a Gulf Rivalry—It Is a Test of Whether Extremism Can Be Contained

By Atlantic Council

Extremism Middle East

MENASource

Feb 3, 2026

Why the Muslim Brotherhood is staying calm amid crackdowns in Jordan

By Aaron Magid

Despite widespread popularity, the Islamist faction did not organize large-scale protests, lowered its media profile, and avoided attacks.

Extremism Intelligence

Dispatches

Feb 2, 2026

To repair US-Colombia ties, Trump and Petro should focus on counternarcotics and Venezuela

By Kevin Whitaker

By focusing on shared interests on counternarcotics and Venezuela, Tuesday's Oval Office meeting between the US and Colombian presidents can put the two nations’ bilateral relations on a better path.

Colombia Crisis Management

Dispatches

Dec 24, 2025

The Middle East is on the brink of a new crisis. Here’s where it could start.

By Alex Plitsas

No one should confuse the patchwork of temporary cease-fire agreements in place throughout the Middle East for sustainable deterrence and peace.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Dec 17, 2025

To curb violence in Nigeria, the US should offer Abuja carrots, not sticks

By Haleigh Bartos, John Chin, and Julien Derroitte

If the Trump administration wants to help Nigeria address violence and terrorism, it should offer the country incentives, not threaten punitive actions against it.

Conflict Extremism

In the News

Dec 15, 2025

Charai for Newsmax: Defend Trump’s Map of New Mideast Against Extremists

By Atlantic Council

Extremism Middle East

New Atlanticist

Nov 25, 2025

Whether it puts boots on the ground or not, Turkey matters for Gaza’s stabilization

By Daniel C. Kurtzer and Kayra Sener

Turkey and Israel should work with the United States to develop a role for Ankara that helps advance the International Stabilization Force mission in Gaza.

Crisis Management Defense Policy

New Atlanticist

Nov 5, 2025

With Trump’s threats of military intervention in Nigeria, Tinubu faces a delicate balancing act

By Ohimai Amaize

With Nigeria on the brink of a diplomatic crisis with the United States, President Bola Tinubu must confront extremist violence without inflaming sectarian divides and rebuild diplomatic ties with Washington.

Extremism Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

Experts