[Advanced summer programme] Terrorism, counter-terrorism and the rule of law

From Monday 25 to Friday 29 August 2025, the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT) will host the 15th-anniversary edition of the Advanced summer programme on terrorism, counter-terrorism and the rule of law. During inspiring and interactive classes taught by leading practitioners and academics in the field, you will gain deep insight into the current and emerging threats as well as international and domestic legal aspects of countering terrorism and violent extremism.

Overview

As we navigate an increasingly complex and unstable global environment, the threat of terrorism and (violent) extremism remains a persistent challenge. The Islamic State (IS) and its affiliated groups remained the deadliest terrorist organisation globally in 2023 (Global Terrorism Index 2024). Sub-Saharan Africa is the region most impacted by terrorism followed by the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) (Global Terrorism Index 2024). In parallel, right-wing extremism continues to grow in influence worldwide.

The rise of new technologies has led more and more terrorists and (violent) extremists to use digital technologies, cyberspace and artificial intelligence (AI) to further their aims. The internet today plays a pivotal role in radicalisation, extremism, and terrorism as a means of recruitment and spreading ideology. The convergence of social media, gaming platforms, and virtual reality also raises concerns about how (young) people are targeted and radicalised in digital spaces.

Across the world, terrorist and violent extremist activities have continuously triggered an increase in security laws and measures. To prevent terrorism and violent extremism as early as possible, states have grappled with defining terrorism and proscribing terrorist and extremist organisations, introduced early prevention mechanisms, and expanded domestic and international legal and policy toolkits to counter the ever-developing threat posed by terrorism and violent extremism. Are these measures lawful, legitimate, and proportionate to their impact on the rule of law and human rights? What are the future threats and how can they be countered while respecting the rule of law and human rights?

About the programme

The 15th-anniversary edition of our renowned summer programme will bring you inspiring and thought-provoking lectures by leading experts in the field, interactive sessions, in-person study visits to Europol and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, group discussions (under the Chatham House Rule), and panel presentations. You will also have the unique opportunity to network with fellow professionals in the field: based here in The Hague and further a field.

Alumni have said about previous editions of the summer programme:

“The course challenges the way you think and exposes you to countries and professionals that have different perspectives on the same issues and threats I deal with.” (2024 edition)

“A very good choice to acquire background knowledge on the political and legal framework of terrorism, violent extremism and counter-terrorism in the EU/international contexts. Also relevant for tech professionals working in the sector of trust and safety and policy - if you're looking for crisp thinking, the most updated findings, and research in the area of online terrorism and violent extremism.” (2023 edition)

“Very inspiring, great networking opportunity and a lot of food for thought. Had an amazing week!” (2022 edition)

Key topics

• Definitional debates
• Pathways to extremism and terrorism
• Mis/disinformation and radicalisation
• Freedom of expression and countering (violent) extremism
• Online radicalisation and regulation of online spaces
• Border security management
• Countering the financing of terrorism
• Transnational repression
• Anti-institutionalism extremism
• Terrorism and conflict zones
• The use of Artificial Intelligence for (violent) extremist and terrorist purposes
• Latest trends in the development of counter-terrorism laws and policies at the international and European level, including by the UN and the EU
• The role of the rule of law and human rights law in countering terrorism and violent extremism

Study visits: Europol and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

Target audience

• Practitioners
• Diplomats
• Academics
• Civil servants
• Policymakers
• PhD candidates and advanced students
• Security services
• Professionals in the NGO sector
• National and international experts

This programme is coordinated by Dr Niki Siampakou, researcher at the Asser Institute. She is part of the Asser Institute's research strand 'In the public interest: accountability of the state and the prosecution of crimes'. 

After successful completion of this summer school, you will receive a certificate from the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism.