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Online Interest in Radical Islam and Terrorist Attacks

Author

Listed:
  • Nicolini Marcella

    (Department of Economics and Management, University of Pavia, Via San Felice 5 – 27100 Pavia (PV), Italy)

  • Sabatini Fabio

    (Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy)

  • Fantazzini Dean

    (Moscow School of Economics, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia)

Abstract

This study investigates the link between terrorist attacks and public interest in radical Islam and violent extremism, using monthly data from 150 countries between 2004 and 2015. Employing a dynamic common correlated effects (DCCE) estimator to account for potential cross-country correlations, our analysis reveals that attacks carried out in the name of Islam significantly drive online searches for sensitive keywords. Specifically, terms suggesting violent actions, such as “beheadings,” and explicitly jihad-related terms show stronger correlations, indicating heightened interest in the terrorists’ actions and messages. Our findings suggest that terrorist attacks not only occur in areas where public attention to terrorism is already heightened but also intensify interest in violent extremism within those regions. This amplification may contribute to terrorists’ objectives by increasing the public visibility they seek.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicolini Marcella & Sabatini Fabio & Fantazzini Dean, 2025. "Online Interest in Radical Islam and Terrorist Attacks," Peace Economics, Peace Science, and Public Policy, De Gruyter, vol. 31(2), pages 161-192.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:pepspp:v:31:y:2025:i:2:p:161-192:n:1002
    DOI: 10.1515/peps-2024-0054
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    islamist extremism; terrorism; Google searches; dynamic common correlated effects estimator (DCCE);
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • F50 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - General
    • H56 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - National Security and War

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