Intel academy releases first report on far-right extremism in the West

The National Intelligence Academy, a newly established institution within Türkiye's intelligence service MİT, has unveiled its first study report shedding light on the surge of right-wing extremist movements in Europe.

Launched on Jan. 6 and announced by MİT chief İbrahim Kalın during the agency's 97th-anniversary ceremony on Jan. 10, the academy aims to provide postgraduate education and conduct scientific research in intelligence, security and strategy.

The inaugural report, focusing on the alarming rise of right-wing extremism in Western countries throughout 2023, delves into media coverage, political discourse and legal efforts aimed at combating these movements.

The foreword highlights the significance of addressing far-right ideologies as they "also target Turks."

According to the report, these extremist groups have expanded their global communication power through online networks, particularly during the COVID pandemic.

The document notes an acceleration in their cooperation and coordination efforts through closed communication channels like Telegram. Additionally, it points out the deliberate targeting of the 13-18 age group by these groups.

The report identifies Denmark, the U.S., Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, Sweden, the Netherlands, France and Austria as the most active countries in the context of the far-right during the year.

It notes that Europe experienced the most intense anti-Islam and anti-Turkish sentiment, with "threatening letters sent to mosques in Germany and Quran burnings in Nordic countries gaining significant attention."

The study predict that right-wing extremism will persist as a security problem for many countries in the coming period. To address this growing threat, it...