We are excited to announce that a brand-new series of videos is now live on the VOX-Pol YouTube Channel!
Bringing together leading global experts, practitioners, and the next generation of scholars, these videos tackle some of the most pressing challenges in the online extremist landscape today—from the rise of artificial intelligence to the weaponization of gendered narratives. Dive into our latest releases below:
1. Masculinity, Grievance, and Online Misogyny | Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss
How does gendered resentment shape modern radicalization pathways? In this deeply insightful session, Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss unpacks the complex intersections of masculinity, personal grievances, and online misogyny, demonstrating how these dynamics influence the broader extremist ecosystem. This is a vital watch for anyone working on digital culture and gender-based harms.
2. AI and Online Extremism: Threats and Opportunities | Dr. Erin Saltman
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping the digital battlefield. Dr. Erin Saltman (GIFCT) provides an indispensable overview of the state of the field, exploring both the sophisticated threats posed by AI-driven extremism and the innovative opportunities for tech-sector mitigation. An essential watch for practitioners and policymakers navigating this evolving landscape.
3. Roundtable: The State of Misogyny Research
In this timely and critical roundtable discussion, Dr. Pearson, Dr. Leidig, Dr. Mattheis, and Dr. Sugiura come together to map out the current state of misogyny research. The panel unpacks how digital cultures amplify hostile narratives, examines the structural barriers researchers face, and outlines where the field needs to go next.
4. Roundtable: Navigating the Field as an Early Career Researcher
What is the human side of extremism research? This unique roundtable brings together early career researchers to discuss the lived realities of entering this challenging field. The panel offers practical advice on community-building, navigating rigid ethics reviews, securing funding, managing teaching challenges, and—crucially—handling secondary trauma.
5. Reflecting on VOX-Pol’s Legacy and the Road Ahead | Prof. Stuart Macdonald & Prof. Maura Conway
In this reflective conversation, Prof. Stuart Macdonald and Prof. Maura Conway look back at the institutional role of VOX-Pol in shaping the online violent extremism research field. They discuss how extremist activity online has fundamentally shifted over the years and analyze the enduring challenges that continue to define this work moving forward.