Welcome to the latest edition of the EU Knowledge Hub newsletter!
This edition brings you key takeaways from the second cycle of our Thematic Panels and details about the launch of EUKH’s first training sessions.
We also feature an exclusive look from Olivier Cauberghs, member of Thematic Panel 3, on how extremists are exploiting emerging technologies. Plus, we'll explore the radicalisation risks tied to Iranian geopolitical strategies in Europe, the pitfalls of social essentialism, and the increasing role of AI in content moderation of PCVE topics.
You'll also learn about a new project investigating radicalisation in gaming spaces and discover insights from a recent paper on youth vulnerability to extremist ideologies.
Thank you for being a vital part of our community, dedicated to preventing radicalisation and building a more resilient Europe!
Highlights of the Hub's Latest Activities
The EUKH has been active across Europe with recent Thematic Panel meetings, where experts across Europe exploring critical issues like the nexus between organised crime, and extremism, and the challenges in undesirable foreign funding and influence in prevention work. Plus, we're thrilled to share insights from the successful launch of our new P/CVE training sessions, equipping newcomers with essential tools and foundational knowledge to strengthen our collective prevention efforts.
Portrait
Inside the AI Battlefield: Olivier Cauberghs on How Extremists Exploit New Technologies
How are far-right actors exploiting AI to spread hate? Olivier Cauberghs from Textgain shares insights from Panel 3 on how extremists bypass platform safeguards, collaborate online, and use AI to radicalise and recruit. His work highlights urgent challenges at the intersection of technology, ethics, and counter-extremism in the digital age.
News from the EU Expert Voices
The Role of Social Essentialism in Radicalisation and Extremism
Social essentialism, the belief that groups of people possess fixed, inherent characteristics that define who they are, plays a significant and insidious role in the processes of radicalisation and extremism. Understanding the dangers of social essentialism is crucial for effective and sustainable prevention of radicalisation and extremism.
Assessing Extremist Violence: What the Evidence Tells Us About Risk, Identity, and the Wider Ecosystem
A new study sheds light on the complex interplay between identity, trauma, and group dynamics within forensic psychiatric settings. The findings challenge prevailing stigma and provide clinicians with dynamic, context-sensitive tools to assess and manage group-based violence, contributing to more effective and compassionate interventions.
Tackling Extremist Threats in Gaming: The hidden dangers of extremist exploitation on online gaming platforms.
Extremists are exploiting online gaming platforms to recruit and radicalise young people, using private chats, roleplay mods, and toxic subcultures. Research highlights urgent risks and calls for smarter moderation, digital literacy, and cross-sector collaboration to keep gaming spaces safe, inclusive, and resilient to extremist manipulation.
Projects in the Field
AI in Gaming Spaces: Wall-E not Terminator
AI isn’t Skynet, but it is moderating online gaming spaces. Tools like Watchtower, developed under the GEMS project, scan chats for harmful behaviour while keeping human judgement in the loop. The goal? Safer communities where AI helps protect the play without policing it.
Resources
Conclusion Paper: How and Why Minors and Youth are Attracted by Extremist Ideologies?
Discover the critical findings from the EU Knowledge Hubs first Thematic Panel meeting on youth radicalisation. This paper explores how and why minors are drawn to extremist ideologies, offering insights into online vulnerabilities, the ‘3N model’, and comprehensive recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers.
Deep Dives into Prevention: Discover the EUKH’s Thematic Panel Topics
Earlier this year, the EU Knowledge Hub launched seven expert-led Thematic Panels, gathering practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and frontline actors to address key challenges in radicalisation prevention. The panels cover a broad range of topics, from conspiracy narratives and online threats to mental health, prisons, foreign terrorist fighters, and geopolitical influences. A launch video is now available, offering insights into the panels’ focus areas and collaborative approach. For a deeper dive into the conclusions and recommendations, read the summary.
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