Out Now: Paper on what we know about the role of gender in radicalization processes

14 January 2026

What role does gender play in radicalization processes and terrorism? The question has been a topic of discussion in the relevant literature for some years. Yet, the emergence of the so-called Islamic State (IS) in 2013/2014 has led to an increase in research, not least because a large number of women from European and non-European countries traveled to the then IS territories in Syria and northern Iraq.

However, research has so far largely focused on the experiences of women, especially in Islamism. This narrow focus has led to several lacunae in research, which in turn have resulted in gaps in practice.

The working paper by Joana Cook (University Leiden), Eva Herschinger, Seran de Leede (University Leiden) and Anna-Maria Andreeva (ICCT - International Centre on Counter-Terrorism) identifies key research trends in the literature between 2014 and 2024, while also highlighting gaps and research desiderata pertaining to all phases of the radicalization process. From this, recommendations for future studies are derived that can advance research on gender, radicalization, and terrorism.

The paper (in German) can be downloaded here.

More information on the Working Paper Series of CISS Munich can be found here.

 

Picture: iStockphoto

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