The Strengths and Struggles of Different Methods of Research on Radicalization, Extremism, and Terrorism

In this editorial article, we introduce readers to a special issue of Studies in Conflict & Terrorism on the strengths and limitations associated with various data collection methods that are used in research on radicalization, extremism and terrorism. To date, overviews and special issues of methods in this field have mainly focused on technical and methodological aspects of data collection and analysis, while the more practical and personal aspects received less attention. With this special issue, we aim to provide insights into the daily reality of conducting empirical research in this field. In addition to summarizing the seven articles in this special issue, we paint an overall picture of the current state of research methodologies in this field.