Research into extremism and radicalisation

The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) is addressing phenomena that threaten social cohesion with several funding measures to research the causes and current dynamics of extremism and radicalisation.

Menschenmenge, Frau hält Papp-Plakat hoch

Adobe Stock/Halfpoint

Social coexistence, with its variety and diversity, repeatedly faces major challenges - especially when extremist and radical groups threaten our cohesion.

Extremism and radicalisation threaten our free democracy. In order to comprehensively tackle the challenges of extremism and prevent extremist radicalisation, it is crucial to research the indirect causes and effects. A corresponding perspective on society as a whole requires research funding that is comprehensive and interdisciplinary in terms of scientific analysis.

The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) promotes the analysis of extremism and radicalisation through basic and practice-oriented research. Recommendations for action for civil society, politics and other relevant stakeholders are developed with the involvement of partners from the field. The aim of the BMFTR funding measures is to use interdisciplinary research to gain more knowledge about the diverse backgrounds, dynamics and forms of violence and extremism that jeopardise our coexistence. These include right-wing extremism and Islamism as well as anti-Semitism, racism and group-based misanthropy in Germany and Europe.

As you will see from the following pages, the focus is on these issues:

Social causes and effects of radical Islam in Germany and Europe

Current dynamics and challenges of Anti-Semitism

Current and historical dynamics of right-wing extremism and racism