Ultra-Right Radicalization: a Method of Automated Threat Detection with the Use of Web Mining

Abstract

The paper provides a brief review of current trends in studying ultra-right radicalization risks both in Russia and globally. Since the scientific interpretations in studying the notion of radicalization are differentiated, the authors prefer the following one: the ultra-rightists represent communities and movements that accept the idea that violence is necessary to achieve any goal (political, ideological, economic, social or personal). The ultra-rightists justify and promote this idea, expressing their willingness to act violently. They also make a moral commitment to defend those who promote the idea. The authors present the results of the work of the TPU’s cross-subject project team to create a prototype and a method for automated detection of ultra-rightists’ threats in social media. The paper describes the main challenges the researches face when applying smart social media content analysis as a tool for automating social science research.