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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

🚀 Welcome to the final #VORTEX Newsletter! Look back at three years of research, events, social media, and our journey across 18 countries. We also recap our final Transfer Conference in Brussels and introduce two more PhD completions! Read more: vortex.uni.mau.se/2026/10/vort...

vortex.uni.mau.se

VORTEX Newsletter #12 – VORTEX

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

The #VORTEX Doctoral Network presents its White Paper on Radicalisation into Extremism and Terrorism, translating multidisciplinary research into evidence-based, actionable recommendations tailored to the needs of different P/CVE stakeholders. Read more here: vortex.uni.mau.se/2026/09/whit...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Our new #VORTEX policy brief explores how P/CVE structures are built in crisis mode and dismantled when attention shifts. We highlight the need for dedicated roles, resources, and structures connecting research, policy, and practice. Read more: vortex.uni.mau.se/2026/09/poli...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Our new #VORTEX policy brief explores the limits of static threat assessments and calls for more flexible approaches that account for change over time. Read the full policy brief here: vortex.uni.mau.se/2026/09/poli...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Our new #VORTEX policy brief explores how gender narratives shape radicalisation, identities, threat perceptions, and group boundaries, while highlighting gaps in research, guidance, and training for prevention practice. Read the full policy brief here: vortex.uni.mau.se/2026/09/poli...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Our new #VORTEX policy brief explores gaps in P/CVE knowledge infrastructures and their implications for evidence-informed prevention. We provide recommendations to strengthen knowledge exchange across the field. Read the full policy brief here: vortex.uni.mau.se/2026/09/poli...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

The VORTEX Transfer Conference is just around the corner! Next week, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers will meet in Brussels to discuss VORTEX research and its implications for policy and practice. 📍 Brussels, 28–29 September 2026 🎟️ Free participation: phisoc.ulb.be/fr/agenda-fa...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

In this #VORTEX blog post, Massimo Leone explores how AI is reshaping conspiracy theories, apocalyptic narratives, and the way they circulate. He examines how fears and hopes enter a linguistic environment where AI is both the subject and storyteller. Read more vortex.uni.mau.se/2026/09/ai-a...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

The VORTEX project is coming to an end! On 28–29 Sept, we’re bringing researchers, practitioners & policymakers together in Brussels for our final Transfer Conference on radicalisation, extremism & prevention. Free registration until 1 Sept: phisoc.ulb.be/fr/agenda-fa... #VORTEX #PCVE

phisoc.ulb.be

28 & 29 SEPT 2026 | CONFERENCE VORTEX Transfer - Faculté de Philosophie et Sciences sociales

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

In this #VORTEX blog post, Leena Malkki explores the rise of online communities linked to nihilistic violent extremism and asks whether the concept of violent extremism adequately captures this phenomenon. Read more: vortex.uni.mau.se/2026/08/is-n...

vortex.uni.mau.se

Is “nihilistic violent extremism” actually violent extremism? – VORTEX

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Meet Javid! He recently submitted his PhD thesis on mainstream right radicalization in the Netherlands and Romania. After his pre-defense, he is now looking forward to his final defense in September. Read more about Javid and his PhD journey: vortex.uni.mau.se/javid-ibad/

vortex.uni.mau.se

Javid Ibad – VORTEX

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Meet Heidi! She recently completed her dissertation, 'Computational Linguistics applied to the Study of Conspiracy Theories Circulating on Telegram', which she will defend soon. Her research combines computational linguistics and semiotic analysis to explore conspiracy theories on Telegram.

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

🚀The #VORTEX series continues! Some researchers have already submitted their PhDs, and we’ll soon share more about their work and journeys. Starting next week, we’ll feature recent PhD submissions and completions. Stay tuned for upcoming posts!

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

🚀 Welcome back to this week’s #VORTEX series! We look at the future of our doctoral candidates and how the experience shaped their next steps. Many see careers in academia (56%), while 44% consider non-academic paths. Skills, resilience, and networks were key outcomes.

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

🚀 The #VORTEX PhD journey was anything but linear. For some, it felt like climbing a mountain; for others, navigating a river or riding a rollercoaster. As the results show, every experience was different, but resilience, adaptability, and persistence kept us moving forward.

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

🚀 Welcome to our new #VORTEX social media series! This series explores the PhD journeys of our doctoral candidates, highlighting their experiences, challenges, and key learnings from the past years through survey reflections. Stay tuned for insights and stories!

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

In this #VORTEX blog post, Thorsten Bonacker examines how loneliness and the search for meaning can contribute to radicalization. He argues that radical groups can attract those who feel disconnected by offering belonging, purpose, and recognition. Read more: vortex.uni.mau.se/2026/06/sile...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

In this #VORTEX blog post, Kristian Steiner explores why people are drawn to radical groups. He argues that such groups can appeal by offering security, belonging, and status through normal psychological and social processes. Read more: vortex.uni.mau.se/2026/06/why-...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

🚀 Welcome to the second #VORTEX Newsletter of 2026! In this edition, we look back on the past three years, sharing key experiences, memorable moments, and highlights. We also bring you updates on recent publications and other news. Read more: vortex.uni.mau.se/2026/06/vort...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

In this #VORTEX blog post Tore Bjørgo reflects on decades of research on deradicalisation and disengagement. He presents an interview dataset with former extremists, designed to further research on pathways out of extremism and processes of reintegration. Read more: vortex.uni.mau.se/2026/05/work...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

From March 23–26, 2026, the #VORTEX consortium met in Cluj-Napoca to discuss career paths, academic freedom, and ongoing projects. Workshops, ethics reflections, and collaboration sparked discussions and advanced the student and practitioner handbook. #VORTEXresearch #RadicalizationStudies

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

🚀Welcome to the first #VORTEX Newsletter of 2026! Back from our consortium meeting in Cluj-Napoca, we share new blog posts, updates, and insights into our doctoral workspaces. At the same time, we move into our final year, entering a period of reflection. Read more vortex.uni.mau.se/2026/03/vort...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

In this #VORTEX blog post, Anna Thaler explores how a mental health perspective can support practitioners in early identification and targeted action while highlighting that mental health is one factor among many and not a simple deterministic cause. Read more: vortex.uni.mau.se/2026/03/what...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

In this #VORTEX blog post, Corinne Torrekens highlights the need for stronger reflexivity in radicalisation research, urging scholars to reflect on their positionality and power in the research process to ensure more transparent knowledge production. Read more: vortex.uni.mau.se/2026/03/a-pl...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

In this #VORTEX blog post, doctoral candidate Laura emphasizes that political violence challenges institutions and calls for transparent, revisable frameworks grounded in affected experiences, ensuring responses do not reinforce harmful dynamics. Read more: vortex.uni.mau.se/2026/02/reco...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

In this #VORTEX blog post, doctoral candidate Heidi reflects on a talk she presented at the “Objects, Technique, Meaning” seminar series at the University of Turin, exploring Bruno Latour’s notions of matters of fact, matters of concern, and critique. Read more: vortex.uni.mau.se/2026/01/the-...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

In this #VORTEX blog post, Lotta Rahlf explores outcome harvesting as a way to evaluate P/CVE in complex contexts, showing how starting from observed change can reveal meaningful effects and learning where impact is difficult to measure. Read more: vortex.uni.mau.se/2025/12/what...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

In this #VORTEX blog post, doctoral candidate Violette examines how the performative male reveals struggles over gender, power and belonging, asking if performance can become real transformation within a patriarchy society toward authentic allyship. Read more: vortex.uni.mau.se/2025/12/perf...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

🚀 Welcome to the fourth and final #VORTEX Newsletter of 2025! Our doctoral candidates have been busy as the year ends, and we are excited to share updates. This edition features new blog posts and a look inside our doctoral candidates’ workspaces. Read more: vortex.uni.mau.se/2025/11/vort...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

In this #VORTEX blog post, doctoral candidate Violette examines the 10th anniversary of the November 13, 2015 Paris attacks, highlighting how rituals and politics shape collective grief and security. Ceremonies honor loss and reinforce vigilance. Read more: vortex.uni.mau.se/2025/11/ten-...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

This #VORTEX blog post by Laura Stritzke and Isabelle Stephanblome (PRIF Blog) explores how attacks in Germany sparked political calls linking unclear motives and mental illness, risking collapsed categories and oversimplified dynamics in radicalization and mental health. Read More: lnkd.in/epXSjYi7

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

In this blog post, #VORTEX doctoral candidate Rohan examines depolarisation discourse as a response to rising polarisation, highlighting how it can flatten power imbalances, create false equivalences, and entrench the status quo. Read More: vortex.uni.mau.se/2025/10/agai...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 09/10/2025

In this #VORTEX blog post, Laura reflects on Punching the World, a film set in a post-socialist region of Eastern Germany in the early 2000s. It shows how two brothers, shaped by loss and broken family bonds, take diverging paths into radicalization. Read More: vortex.uni.mau.se/2025/10/punc...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

In this blogpost #VORTEX Doctoral Candidate Lotta Rahlf explores how P/CVE organisations can strengthen evaluation by embedding impact orientation, monitoring systems and internal coordination into their structures. Read More: vortex.uni.mau.se/2025/08/harn...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

#VORTEX Doctoral Candidate Lotta Rahlf shows how Germany’s knowledge networks in P/CVE, democracy promotion and civic education contribute to a uniquely professional and civil society-driven prevention landscape in Europe. Read More: vortex.uni.mau.se/2025/06/secu...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 25/09/2025

#VORTEX Doctoral candidate Violette Mens and colleagues sparked urgent debate on deepfakes and radicalization at STS-CH 2025. The workshop showed how deepfakes and blurred uses of radicalization undermine shared reality and challenge democratic discourse. More: vortex.uni.mau.se/2025/09/deep...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

#VORTEX doctoral candidate Heidi presents at the European Academy of Religion’s 8th Annual Conference, “Religion and Socio-Cultural Transformation: European Perspectives & Beyond” (EuARe2025), sharing insights on anti-Muslim conspiracy theories on Telegram. More: vortex.uni.mau.se/2025/09/pres...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 27/08/2025

#VORTEX doctoral candidate Violette shows how the Netflix series "The Hooligan" reveals radicalization as a search for belonging and meaning beyond ideology. Using the Good Lives Model, she highlights humane paths to resilience. Read more: vortex.uni.mau.se/2025/08/from...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 20/08/2025

🚀 Welcome to the third #VORTEX Newsletter of 2025! As we dive into fieldwork and data analysis, new insights and surprises are emerging. This edition features new blog posts, project highlights, surprises, and reflections on our journey so far. Read more: vortex.uni.mau.se/2025/08/vort...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 24/07/2025

Our #VORTEX project updates are back – today with our last update! Meet Orwa Ajjoub who is a PhD student at Malmö University. His research explores how radical religious rhetoric is used to justify violence between jihadi groups. 🔍 Discover his work: vortex.uni.mau.se/orwa-ajjoub/

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

Our #VORTEX project updates are back! This week meet Joshua Farrell-Molloy, a PhD student at Malmö University's Department of Global Political Studies, researching digital subcultures as part of the VORTEX project. 🔍 Discover his work: vortex.uni.mau.se/joshua-farre...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

📢 #VORTEX doctoral candidate Heidi Campana Piva and her colleagues host a workshop on AI & NLP for humanities and social sciences in October 2025 at the University of Turin. Explore the workshop’s goals and topics in her #VORTEX blog article: 👉 vortex.uni.mau.se/2025/07/labo...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

In her latest #VORTEX blog article, Camilla Winde Gissel illustrates how narratives shape the understanding and legitimation of military violence. Using the Iran-Israel-US escalation, she reveals how meaning is made and violence justified. Read more here: 👉 vortex.uni.mau.se/2025/07/befo...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 10/07/2025

Our #VORTEX project updates are back! Meet Javid, Ph.D. fellow at the Faculty of European Studies, Babeș-Bolyai University. He explores how center-right parties radicalize in response to the rise of radical-right forces. 🔍Discover his work: vortex.uni.mau.se/javid-ibad/

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

Our #VORTEX updates are back! Meet Camilla, PhD Research Fellow at the Center for Research on Extremism. She explores how various approaches to (former) violent extremists' impact deradicalization, disengagement, and reintegration across diverse contexts. 🔍 vortex.uni.mau.se/camilla-wind...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

Our #VORTEX project updates are back! Meet Rohan from the University of Helsinki, who studies how EU counterterrorism policies frame extreme right-wing terror through a Foucauldian lens—focusing on far-right and eco-fascist Telegram groups.🔍 Discover his work: vortex.uni.mau.se/rohan-steven...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

Our #VORTEX project updates are back! This week, meet Laura (PRIF), exploring how extremism prevention practitioners balance support & control. Her work compares schools & prisons to understand this complex dynamic 🔍 Discover her work: vortex.uni.mau.se/laura-stritz... More updates every Thursday

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

At the 2025 Nanjing Normal University Semiotics Symposium, #VORTEX doctoral candidate Heidi presented her research on how language patterns shape White Genocide conspiracy theories and white-supremacist clusters. Read more about her research and her presentation: vortex.uni.mau.se/2025/06/pres...

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

#VORTEX updates are back! Spotlight on Lotta Rahlf (PRIF), comparing how 12 EU countries design & evaluate P/CVE strategies—focusing on evaluation and quality management. Using QCA, she explores why some countries are more institutionalized than others. 🔍 vortex.uni.mau.se/lotta-rahlf/

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VORTEX Doctoral Network @vortex-europe.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

#VORTEX doctoral candidate Marzena explores the complex, multi-layered ties between right-wing populism and religion—beyond mere instrumentalization. Religion shapes and reflects identity and culture, influenced by leaders and supporters. Read more: vortex.uni.mau.se/2025/05/righ...

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