Stern Presents on Radicalization and the Role Families Play in Prevention
On February 3, 2026, Research Professor Jessica Stern of the Pardee School spoke to the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals in Orlando, FL, whose audience primarily consisted of professionals involved in threat assessment and law enforcement officers. Her presentation marked the conclusion of a research project that had been taking place since early 2022. The…
Stern Warns of ISIS’s Enduring Digital Influence
Jessica Stern, Research Professor at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies and terrorism expert, authored an analysis in The New York Times examining ISIS’s persistent influence despite its territorial defeat. Drawing on her extensive research interviewing extremists, Stern highlights how the group’s ideology continues to resonate with vulnerable individuals through online channels….
Stern Discusses Trauma and Extremist Influences
Jessica Stern, Research Professor at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, was interviewed for a Boston Globe article on rising extremism in children and teenagers, as well as the role that childhood trauma may play in susceptibility to extremist influences. The article centered around a nonprofit, Parents for Peace, that helps families whose children are…
Stern Comments on Capitol Hill Riot & Path to Extremism
“The claimed rationale for violent extremism, which is a wish to protect people from some injustice – in this case, the injustice of a stolen election – often masks a deeper sort of pain.”
CSE Hosts Discussion on Rise and Spread of Qanon
Investigative journalist and podcaster Nicky Woolf outlined the origins of Qanon, its absorption of other conspiracy theories, how it came to influence modern politics, as well as the global spread of this and other movements.
Stern Co-Authors Article on Buffalo Shooting and Factors that Drive Violent Extremism
“It is critical that we reject simplistic explanations, whether they focus on access to mental health care, or the spread of dangerous political ideologies, or access to guns. There is no single variable that explains why this terrible massacre occurred, and so there will be no single answer.”
Stern Outlines Research on Strategies to Prevent Political Violence
“Perhaps surprisingly, the most effective strategies don’t involve persuasion or debate. Sometimes compassion, empathy, and connection can convert someone who is on the precipice of violence.”
Stern Interviewed on QAnon and Online Extremists
Professor Stern discusses QAnon and the tactics it used to attract people who might otherwise not be drawn in by the movement.
Stern Coauthors Op-Ed on Trump and Authoritarianism
“Authoritarian predispositions are not a problem that can just be educated away…a strong rhetorical focus on a unified Americanness can play a vital role in reassuring and deactivating the innately intolerant.”
Stern Discusses Capitol Rioters on All Things Considered
“We often see people getting drawn into joining extremist groups at moments when they’re feeling confused about their identity or they’ve experienced a status loss.”
Stern Discusses Report on U.S. Capitol Riot
According to a new CNN report, 10% of the first arrested Capitol Hill rioters didn’t vote in 2020. Professor Stern weighs in.
Stern Discusses Capitol Siege, Motivation, and What’s Next
Professor Stern discussed whether the January 6 attack on the Capitol was an act of terrorism, what motivated those behind the attack, and what she feels can be done to prevent further violence.
Najam Discusses Capitol Siege with International Media
Dean Najam called out the ever growing divide between political ideologies and the seemingly broken political environment in the U.S., which he has previously referred to as “The Angst of America.”
Stern Discusses “Online Right” Discourse Following Capitol Siege
Professor Stern discusses how social media and the internet acts “like a hall of mirrors” for right-wing extremists.
Stern Discusses Online Spread of Right-Wing Extremism in New Book Review
Professor Jessica Stern explores the spread of online extremism in her new review of Going Dark: The Secret Lives of Extremists.
Stern Awarded Research Incubation Award
Professor Jessica Stern has been awarded the Hariri Institute Research Incubation Award for her research on viral radicalizing and extremist web content.
Stern Quoted in Washington Post Article on Extremists in the U.S.
Professor Jessica Stern offers her perspective on how extremists are capitalizing on U.S. civil unrest amid nationwide protests.
Policy Leaders Forum Hosts Facebook’s Counterterrorism Chief
Monika Bickert, Head of Global Policy at Facebook, discussed how the social network combats the complex issues of extremism and terror.
Menchik in The Conversation on Indonesia’s Pious Democracy
Prof. Jeremy Menchik examined whether whether Indonesia’s tradition of religious tolerance and pluralism is safe from extremism.
Stern in Bostonia on Why Terrorists Kill
Prof. Jessica Stern discusses the motivation of violent extremists, and the logic that leads people into being recruited by terrorist organizations.