Is There a Growing Risk of Violent Extremism Due to Migration?

The relationship between migration and violent extremism is often oversimplified in political and media narratives, leading to misperceptions that all migration poses a security threat.

The presentation first examines socioeconomic factors, including poverty, social exclusion, and discrimination, which can increase the risk of radicalization for some migrants. It also explores cultural and identity struggles, particularly among second-generation migrants, who may experience alienation and resentment due to rejection by host societies. The role of political instability and conflict as key drivers of forced migration is also considered, as these conditions create fertile ground for extremist ideologies to spread.

Another critical focus is the exploitation of migrants by extremist groups, which often use crises as opportunities for recruitment by offering individuals a sense of identity and community. The growing influence of online radicalization further exacerbates this issue, as extremist propaganda is increasingly disseminated through digital platforms.

Despite these concerns, the presentation underscores that migration itself is not the root cause of radicalization and that other factors, such as Islamophobia, social inequality, and lack of integration policies, play a significant role. The session concludes with policy recommendations, counter-extremism strategies, and community-based approaches to fostering inclusion and preventing radicalization.