COURSE CURRICULUM

Terrorism and the extremist ideologies that drive it are among the most significant security challenges of the 21st century. While jihadist groups such as al-Qaeda and the so-called Islamic State were previously the primary sources of terrorist threats, the landscape has expanded considerably. Today, threats also emerge from right-wing and anti-government extremism, which are often fueled by conspiracy theories and increasingly employ non-violent strategies to polarise societies and undermine democratic institutions. This broadening spectrum of extremist activity has made identifying, understanding, and countering these threats more complex.In addition to non-state actors, Europe and other Western regions now face state-directed political violence. Such threats include sabotage of critical infrastructure, influence operations aimed at destabilising democratic processes, and acts of terrorism. These state-directed efforts add a layer of strategic complexity, as they may operate alongside or in parallel with non-state extremist actions. Meanwhile, jihadist groups continue to pose a long-term threat, destabilising regions across Africa and Southeast Asia and contributing to ongoing global security concerns.Taken together, these developments demonstrate that terrorism, extremism, and political violence are no longer limited to specific regions or ideological groups. They represent a global challenge that threatens peace, security, and democratic governance. Addressing these multifaceted threats requires an integrated understanding of the ideological, political, and social factors that drive them, as well as the practical skills to design and implement effective interventions. Consequently, understanding and responding to terrorism and political violence will remain a key priority for governments, security agencies, and researchers for the foreseeable future.