Thematic Panel 1 - Ideologies and Conspiracy Narratives

Radicalisation is a complex process in which individuals or groups adopt radical ideologies that justify, endorse, or call for violence, including terrorist acts, to achieve political or ideological goals. The extremist landscape in Europe has become more dynamic, diverse, and complex. This means addressing new and emerging risks and threats, while continuing to focus on existing ones. 

In the last years, the phenomenon of so-called fragmented/hybrid/mixed ideologies has emerged and with it the challenge of understanding the underlying dynamics and how they may lead to violence or violent extremism. Jihadism remains the dominant threat in the EU. At the same time, the rise of right-wing extremism, the persistence of left-wing and anarchist movements, and the insidious spread of conspiracy theories and narratives are also fueling radicalisation, particularly among vulnerable young people. These extremist ideas are increasingly spread via digital platforms and social networks, which can exacerbate societal tensions and undermine democratic structures.   

The Thematic Panel on Ideologies and Conspiracy Narratives aims to understand extremist ideologies, including new types of ideologies that lead to violence and extremism, and the role of conspiracy narratives in radicalisation processes. A key focus of the Thematic Panel will be understanding the digital dissemination of extremist content and its impact on recruitment and mobilisation. 

The panel’s interdisciplinary and practice-oriented approach will focus on the following core challenges: 

• Building a picture of ideological and conspiracy-driven narratives that contribute to radicalisation
• Understanding the factors that increase vulnerability to radical ideologies and conspiracy narratives
• Elaborating prevention strategies and countermeasures that have proven effective across EU Member States
• Identifying  necessary legal and policy frameworks to counter the spread of extremist ideologies