AVERT International Research Symposium 2024

SYMPOSIUM RECORDINGS

Keynote Address

Fragmented Social Ecologies: Understanding the Emergence of Fluid Extremism

Professor Noémie Bouhana, University College London

29 October 2024

Day 1 Session A: Changes and Challenges Shifting Demographics of Violent Extremism and CVE

Understanding Australian Rural-Regional CVE Capacity: Protections, Vulnerabilities, Needs and Resources by Prof Michele Grossman, Deakin University

A New Wave of Violent Extremists? Using PIRUS to Analyse Shifts in Terrorists’ Demography, Ideology, Oslaperations, and Victims by Aaron Thomas Calbert and Dr Djordje (George) Stefanovic, The University of Adelaide

Examining Change in Conspiracy Beliefs and Violent Extremism over Time by Dr Bettina Rottweiler, University College London


Day 1 Session A: Disengagement and Diversion

The Disidentification from Extremist Groups as the Prerequisite Step in the Process of Disengagement from Extremism by Muhammad Syafiq, Universitas Negeri Surabaya and University of Queensland

Facilitating Disengagement from Violent Extremism: An Evidence-in-formed Theory of Change for the Community Integration Support Program by Professor Ramón Spaaij, Victoria University and Utrecht University and Dr Muhammad Iqbal, Victoria University

Inoculation Against Online Extremism: An Agent‑based Simulation and Cost-benefit Analysis by Dr Andrea Giovannetti, Australian Catholic University


30 October 2024

Day 1 Session B: How does the online environment influence people’s vulnerability to radicalisation

Exposure to and Sharing of Fringe or Radical Content Online by Dr Timothy Cubitt, Australian Institute of Criminology

Is Exposure to Fringe and Radical Content Online Associated with Increased Support for Violence? by Anthony Morgan, Australian Institute of Criminology

Relationship Between Media Literacy, Conspiratorial Beliefs, Anti-government Sentiment and Support for Violence by Dr Siobhan Lawler, Australian Institute of Criminology

Day 2: Plenary Session Special Address

I Know it Works But Not Sure Why: Practitioners Success and Challenges in PVE by Dr Ghayda Hassan, Director, Canadian Practioner Network for the Prevention of Radicalization and Extremist Violence (RPC-PREV)


Day 2 Session A: Rethinking Risk New Issues and Dilemmas in Risk Assessment

Beyond Extremism, Radicalization, and Risk Factors: A Review on the Use of Risk Assessment Instruments for Terrorism and a Proposed Focus on Behavioural Indicators by Astrid Bastiaens, Maastricht University

From Discrimination to Grievance-fuelled Violence: When and For Whom Do Perceived Threats Increase Risk Toward Engagement in Anti Muslim Behaviours and Violence? by Dr Bettina Rottweiler, University College London

Trends in Demographic, Psychological, Criminological, and Societal Factors: Using Deep Learning Neural Networks to Gauge Risk for Violent and Nonviolent Extremist Behaviors by Asst Prof Kurt Braddock, American University

Presentation 4: Linking Conspiracy Beliefs with Violence: A Scoping Review of the Empirical Literature by Dr Emma Belton, Griffith University


Day 2 Session A: 'Men at Arms The Intersection of Violent Extremism and Masculinities'

Mapping the Neo-Manosphere(s): New Directions for Research by Dr Vivian Gerrand, Deakin University

The Role of Precarious Masculinity and Male Victimhood in Shaping Far-right Online Engagement Among Australian Men by Haily Tran, Deakin University


Day 2 Session A: Climate Security as a Driver for Emerging Peoples Spaces and Places Within the Violent Extremism Landscape

Framing Climate Change as a Security Threat: Implications for Activism and Policy by Dr Saira Ali, The University of Adelaide

Darkening White Countries’: Mainstreaming Climate Disinformation in the ‘Global North’ by Dr Eszter Szenes, The University of Adelaide

Exploring the Spatial Relationship between Climate Change and Terrorist Activity: An Empirical Framework for Policymakers and Practitioners by Dr Jared Dmello, The University of Adelaide



Day 2 Session B: Connectivity and Evolution in Far right Movements

Political Parties and Online Radicalisation in the Australian Far-Right Landscape by Callum Jones, Deakin University

Profiles of Far-Right Hate in the US: Beyond Myths of Disadvantage and Marginalisation by Associate Prof Matteo Vergani, Deakin University


30 October 2024

Day 2 Session B: Responding to youth radicalisation Trans Tasman developments in policy and practice

"I'm not super familiar with children's ecosystems online": Expert Assessments on the Effects of Early Childhood Exposure to Extremism Online by Jade Hutchinson, Macquarie University

Statutory Social Work for Radicalising and Extremist Youth– An Emerging Practice Issue for Aotearoa New Zealand by Dr Tony Stanley and Carol Kitson, Oranga Tamariki


Day 3 Session A: International Perspectives on Radicalisation Gender, Trauma and Youth

Exploring How Gender and Traumatic Events Influence Individual’s Decision to Take on Supporter or Fighter Roles: The Case of Ambon, Indonesia by Nungky Hodijah, Deakin University

Trauma-informed Responses are Crucial for Preventing Violent Extremism in Africa by Isel Ras, Impact Pathways

The Role of Young People in Countering Violent Extremism Online: The Case of the Bangsamoro in the Philippines by Dr Primitivo III Cabanes Ragandang, Mindanao State University

Day 3 Session A: Virtual Spaces and Violent Extremism

Extremism in Games: The Emerging Landscape by Dr Rachel Kowert, Take This

The Gamification of Mass Violence: Social Factors, Video Game Influence, and Attack Presentation in the Christchurch Mass Shooting and Its Copycats by Prof Adam Lankford, The University of Alabama

Mapping Virtual Hate in Real World Spaces by Associate Prof Matteo Vergani, Deakin University and Sophie Murray Farrell, NSW Government


Day 3 Session A: Support for Democracy, Violence, and Violent Extremism Understanding Trajectories

Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Analysis of Social, Political, and Temporal Predictors of Support for Democracy and Political Violence in Queenslanders by Charlie Pittaway, University of Queensland

Spatial Dynamics of Radical Action in Queensland: A Postcode-level Analysis of Support for Different Causes and Willingness to Act Radically on Behalf of the Cause by Dr Susilo Wibisono, University of Queensland

Decision-making as Foundations for Extremist Action: When Do Interactions Between Authorities and Protesters Drive (Latent and Overt) Radicalism? Using Agent-Based Models to Simulate Trajectories of Engagement and Extremism by Prof Emma F. Thomas, Flinders University



Day 3 Session B: Contextual Influences on Radicalisation and Violent Extremism Pathways

Salafi-Jihadist Mobilisation: A Thematic Analysis of Narratives of Citizenship Revocation and Statelessness by Dr Stephanie Scott-Smith, Macquarie University

The Changing Dynamics of CALD Community Engagement: CVE, Social Cohesion and Practitioner Views on the Skill Sets and Strategies Needed by Paul Schmidt, Multicultural Affairs Queensland, Queensland Government and Dr Serge Loode, Peace and Conflict Studies Institute Australia (PaCSIA)


Day 3 Session B: Differently Abled Actors and Violent Extremism Emerging Challenges Edited

Blind Faith: Exploring the Ways in which Violent Extremists Exploit Disabled Operatives by Prof Mia M Bloom, Georgia State University and Dr Jared Dmello, The University of Adelaide

The Incel Paradox: Does Collective Self-Loathing Facilitate Radicalisation or Belonging? by Bo Min Keum, University of Cambridge