This fact sheet provides a snapshot of considerations specific to future research and conceptualization of racially- and ethnically-motivated violent extremist (REMVE) online ecosystems from a RESOLVE Research Brief. Despite the increasing focus on violent extremist ecosystems in the online sphere, it is unclear the extent to which ecological terms in the literature on extremism—and particularly literature focused on the online space—are empirically validated or even consistently used. Indeed, there remain fundamental gaps in understanding and defining what we mean when we discuss the ecology of violent extremism and online violent extremist ecosystems. These gaps have notable implications for defining what an online ecosystem actually is—including its characteristics, impact, scope, and reach—and identifying appropriate policy responses to address them. Based on findings from a structured literature review examining the use of terms “ecosystem” and “ecology” in terrorism and violent extremism studies and related disciplines, the Research Brief presented a list of ten ecological characteristics for further consideration by those working in research, policy, and practice focused on online violent extremist ecosystems and provided examples of how those characteristics might be conceptualized in research on REMVE online ecosystems, given the increased attention REMVE online ecosystems have garnered in recent years. Based on the brief, this fact sheet expands on these further areas for consideration.

To learn more, please refer to the RESOLVE Research Brief by Jade Hutchinson, Julian Droogan, Lise Waldek, and Brian Ballsun-Stanton: Violent Extremist and REMVE Online Ecosystems: Ecological Characteristics for Future Research and Conceptualization (2022).