Symposium #24
This presentation will provide an overview of the Domestic Radicalization and Violent Extremism research program at the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), U.S. Department of Justice. Since the inception of the program in 2012, NIJ has received dedicated funding from Congress for research “targeted toward developing a better understanding of the domestic radicalization phenomenon and advancing evidence-based strategies for effective intervention and prevention.” After twelve continuous years of funding and over 50 projects awarded, research projects made under this portfolio have helped shed light on the drivers of radicalization across various ideologies, how terrorism is analogous to other forms of extreme violence, and what programs and strategies are most effective in prevention, deradicalization, and disengagement. NIJ continues to fund research under this portfolio, as much work remains in understanding the evolving nature of the violent extremist threat in the U.S. This presentation will highlight the purpose and goals of the program, share some key findings from the funded research, and discuss the steps that NIJ is taking to address some of the more nuanced challenges faced by practitioners and policymakers in this field. Developed after synthesizing multiple years of NIJ-funded projects, participants will be able to walk away with five key facts or important action items (per topic) related to the following:
1. Social Networks and Radicalization
2. Social Media and Radicalization
3. Program Evaluations of Terrorism Prevention Programs
4. Comparing Terrorism to Other Forms of Mass Violence (i.e. hate crimes and
mass shootings).
Researchers
Dr. Aisha J. Qureshi - National Institute of Justice
Aisha J. Qureshi is a social science analyst in the Office of Violence and Victimization Prevention at the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), U.S. Department of Justice. In this role, Aisha oversees research and participates in portfolio development for NIJ's portfolio on Domestic Radicalization and Violent Extremism. Research investments in this portfolio strive to develop a better understanding of domestic radicalization, an individual’s progression to violent extremism / terrorism, and evidence-based strategies for effective prevention and intervention of such radicalization in the United States. Prior to her role at NIJ, Aisha has worked at three different law enforcement agencies as a crime analyst, where she provided a wide range of tactical, strategic, intelligence and administrative analyses to command staff, patrol officers, detectives, and state and federal law enforcement partners. Aisha has also taught classes in an adjunct capacity on crime analysis and crime & place at George Mason University and Mount St. Mary’s University. She holds a M.A. in criminology from George Mason University
Ms. Kateira Aryaeinejad
Kateira Aryaeinejad specializes in research on violent extremism and terrorism, focusing on research processes, global and local dynamics, and connecting rigorous research to policy and practice. She has worked on multiple U.S. government-funded research projects, including on issues related to violent extremism in the Middle East, South Asia, Europe, the Western Balkans, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the East Asia Pacific region. Her work has focused on topics ranging from the evolution of and local support for violent extremist groups and narratives, disengagement and rehabilitation, online and offline communications, international and domestic radicalization to violent extremism, and peacebuilding and conflict more broadly. She holds an M.A. in International Peace and Conflict Resolution with a concentration in International Conflict Management from American University’s School of International Service.
