Digital Radicalization of Youth in the Global South: New Security Challenges

Annotation

The relevance of the study stems from the growing threat of digital radicalization among youth in Global South countries, where a high proportion of young populations and expanding internet access create fertile ground for the spread of extremist ideologies. The aim of the work is to identify key factors, mechanisms, and consequences of youth digital radicalization, as well as to determine effective countermeasures. The research draws on materials from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, employing methods such as case studies, social media content analysis, expert interviews, and statistical analysis of radical content dissemination. Key findings reveal that extremist groups actively adapt propaganda to local languages, cultural contexts, and social issues, leveraging closed online communities and social media algorithms. Successful counter-strategies, as demonstrated by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore, combine technological solutions (AI-driven content monitoring) with civil society engagement and the promotion of alternative narratives. The development of AI-based early warning systems and enhanced international cooperation among states, tech companies, and NGOs are identified as critical directions for mitigating digital radicalization risks.

Keywords

• digital radicalization
• youth
• social networks
• extremism
• Global South
• cybersecurity
• artificial intelligence
• civil society
• online propaganda
• international cooperation
• religious extremism
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