2025 Call for papers
The Program on Extremism at the George Washington University is launching a call for papers to explore the contemporary dynamics of terrorism globally. This thematic issue aims to address pressing questions surrounding the evolving nature of global terrorist threats, the integration of modern technologies into extremist activities, and the practical measures for countering violent extremism.
Since its founding in 2015, the Program's mission has been to drive empirical research and policy solutions that resonate with scholars, practitioners, and policymakers. Through its in- depth exploration of global jihadism, domestic extremism, and antisemitism, the Program provides a comprehensive understanding of extremism, informed by data and field-based insights. This call aligns directly with the Program's focus on developing practical and research- driven responses to evolving threats.
We invite scholars, researchers, and practitioners to submit original papers that critically engage with the evolving dynamics of extremism. Submissions may explore a range of pressing issues, including the resurgence and operational evolution of ISIS in Africa, Afghanistan, and the Middle East; patterns and prevention of lone wolf attacks in Europe and the United States; the role of digital platforms in radicalization and recruitment; and the potential terrorist applications of artificial intelligence. We especially welcome contributions offering innovative prevention, detection, and response approaches.
Aligned with the Program’s mission, this call aims to generate actionable insights that enhance counter extremism efforts and security policies. Through this initiative, we seek to foster collaboration, advance research, and deepen our collective understanding of contemporary extremism—ultimately contributing to a safer, more resilient global community.
Themes and Areas of Interest:
We encourage original submissions addressing one or more of the following topics:
- ISIS and Terrorism in Key Regions
- The resurgence and activities of ISIS in Africa, Afghanistan, and the Middle East.
- Strategies, operations, and regional impacts of ISIS affiliates.
- The current state of ISIS leadership and organizational structure.
- Systems of communication and coordination across ISIS leadership and regional branches.
- Lone wolf attacks, patterns, motivations, indicators/warnings, and prevention of lone wolf terrorist attacks in Europe and the United States.
- Online Radicalization and Modern Technology
- The role of social media and digital platforms in radicalization and recruitment.
- Strategies for combating online extremist propaganda and radicalization.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Terrorism
- Potential terrorist applications of artificial intelligence.
- Countermeasures and ethical considerations regarding AI-driven terrorism threats.
Key Dates:
- Abstract Submission Deadline: May 20, 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: June 10, 2025
- Full Paper Submission Deadline: September 1, 2025
- Publication Date: November 2025
Submission Process:
Interested authors should submit an abstract (300–500 words) stating their research question, methodology, key arguments, and a brief biography (150 words). Full papers will be carefully reviewed and may be subject to editing before publication.
Please send submissions and inquiries to extremism@gwu.edu with the subject line: “PoECFP25 – Global Terrorism Dynamics.”
Submission guidelines:
We seek 10 scholarly papers, each between 4,000 – 5,000 words (excluding references and appendices). Papers must be original, unpublished, and grounded in rigorous empirical research, theoretical analysis, or policy-oriented assessments rooted in established academic traditions.
Authors of accepted papers will receive a compensation of USD 1,000 per paper.
For more information, please refer to the below document: