STRIDE Research Center

The Strategic Terrorism Response & Intelligence Detecting Extremism Research center- STRIDE- is a specialized research hub that analyses and synthesizes research on terrorism, antisemitism, violent extremism and radicalization to assist governments and other agencies make evidence-based interventions in Sub-saharan Africa and the Middle East.


Specifically, the Center analyses push-and-pull factors into violent extremism at macro-level (socio-economic or political drivers), meso-level (social and cultural drivers) and micro-level (individual); it also designs sophisticated early warning systems for online radicalization pathways, utilizing advances data analytics to expose and disrupt networks that propagate extremist ideologies.  We produce and find timely research to spotlight the experiences and perspectives of those affected by terrorism, drawing attention to emergent issues and informing better ways forward.

 

STRIDE's interdisciplinary approach combines social psychology, communication theory, and cybersecurity principles to create actionable intelligence on antisemitism, terrorism, and hate crime vectors, establishing prevention frameworks that transcend traditional security paradigms, with a robust monitoring and evaluation methodology tailored to each research project. We disseminate and discuss our findings with policy makers, the private sector, and civil society to ensure it is actionable and accessible.

 

Subsequently, the Center publishes its research and activities in reports and books, holds webinars, conferences, round table discussions (podcasts) and consultative meetings. The Center draws on its experience as well as a network of field experts to achieve its objectives.

Mission

Counteracts terrorism, antisemitism, extremist ideologies with a focus on their intersection with necropolitics and authoritarianism, and  the shifting geopolitics of the Middle East in sub-saharan Africa.

Focus areas

  • Terrorism analysis and threat assessment methodologies
  • Antisemitism manifestations and countermeasures
  • Online radicalization and digital extremism
  • Ideological foundations of extremist movements
  • Prevention and deradicalization strategies

Key Functions

  • Analyzing terrorist organizations, networks and lone actors (AI, social networks)
  • Tracking Antisemitic incidents and discourse globally
  • Mapping extremist ideologies and their evolution
  • Developing counter-narrative campaigns and intervention frameworks
  • Advising governments, policymakers and civil society (strategic intelligence) on best practices for prevention and response
  • Analyzing the geopolitical impact of Middle Eastern actors (e.g. Qatar) in sub-saharan security dynamics
  • Terrorism Analysis Division

    This division conducts in-depth research on regional and transnational terrorist organizations and lone actors; including their links to state and non-state actors (e.g. Qatari influence in the Horn), their strategies, recruitment patterns, and operational methodologies.
  • Antisemitism Research Division

    Dedicated to comprehending and combating antisemitism, this division studies historical patterns, contemporary manifestations, and effective countermeasures. It monitors incidents, narratives, and policy responses to antisemitism in sub-saharan Africa, Europe and America, leveraging global measurements tools.
  • Extremist Ideologies Division

    This division analyzes the ideological foundations of extremist groups, tracing their evolution across different contexts. It studies their financial architectures and recruitment strategies, incl. those targeting minorities and leveraging digital platforms.
  • Re-engineering LOAC Division

    This division studies the non state actors and terrorist groups' strategies of re-engineering International Law , especially in terrorist contexts. Its objective is to propose new conceptual frameworks in LOAC.
  • Preventive Strategies Division

    Focused on intervention, this division develops evidence-based approaches to prevent radicalization and violence, with an emphasis on cross-regional learning and deradicalization.

Research Projects

Participate Terrorism in South Africa We Need Your Support Ban Terrorist Entity Samidoun Coming Soon Unveiling Hamas mouthpiece