Launched 2026 · Policy research on political Islam and extremism in the West
Clear evidence.
Sound policy.
Sterling publishes research and policy analysis on Islamism and extremism in Western societies, for policymakers, parliaments and public bodies. Work is produced and credited collectively by our research team.
Measured
We state what the evidence shows and how strong it is.
Precise
We distinguish Islam the faith, Muslims as people, and Islamism as ideology and organisation.
Useful
Every output ends with implications or options for policymakers.
Publications
Latest research
Salafi-Jihadism · Policy paper
The Baghdad Docket: Western Islamic State Detainees in Iraq and the Return Question
In the last week of October 2026 an Iraqi court began handing down sentences to Western nationals held for years in north-east Syria as alleged members of the Islamic State.
3 November 2026 · Research team
Salafi-Jihadism · Policy paper
Fewer Referrals, Undiminished Threat: Reading the Islamist Line in the 2026 Prevent Statistics
Referrals to Prevent in England and Wales reached a record 10,293 in the year to September 2025.
3 November 2026 · Research team
Online Radicalisation · Policy paper
Beyond Messaging: What the United Nations' September 2026 Propaganda Report Means for Youth Prevention Policy in Western States
In September 2026 the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate argued that terrorist propaganda should be addressed “not only as content but as a core operational enabler of terrorism”.
3 November 2026 · Research team
Muslim Brotherhood Networks · Policy paper
Lists the Offspring, Not the Parent: Canada and the Muslim Brotherhood Question
No Brotherhood entity is on Canada's list of terrorist entities.
3 November 2026 · Research team
Islamist Finance & Charities · Policy paper
Listed in Washington, Unlisted in London: US Charity-Sector Designations and the Limits of UK Partner Due Diligence
During 2026 the US Treasury designated an unusually large number of charitable and humanitarian bodies for alleged support to Hamas.
3 November 2026 · Research team
EU Institutions · Policy paper
The Violence Threshold: Why the EU's Counter-Terrorism Architecture Struggles to Address Non-Violent Islamist Influence
Within eight months, the three main EU institutions have set out different starting points on extremism.
3 November 2026 · Research team
State what an instrument does and does not do. Declare uncertainty and evidence gaps.
From our house rules for research