Madrid Convenes Experts on Evolving Terrorism Landscape
As the 25th anniversary of the 2001 attacks approaches, Madrid hosts a major forum to assess the current state of jihadist threats and emerging extremist trends in Europe.
Madrid is set to host a significant gathering of security experts this September, marking a quarter-century since the attacks that reshaped global counter-terrorism strategies. According to GN geopolitics/terror (en-US), the 12th Elcano Forum on Global Terrorism will convene at the Espacio Bertelsmann to examine how the landscape of violent extremism has shifted over the past two decades. The event serves as a critical moment for reassessment, acknowledging that while the initial shock of 2001 defined the early 2000s, the nature of the threat has since fragmented and evolved in complex ways.
The forum underscores a broader geopolitical reality: the distinction between domestic and foreign security has effectively dissolved. What was once viewed as a state-specific challenge is now understood as a shared, transnational risk requiring multifaceted cooperation. As European societies continue to grapple with the implications of this shift, the dialogue in Madrid aims to bridge academic insight with operational reality, offering a comprehensive view of the current security environment.
Assessing the Jihadist Threat Evolution
A primary focus of the conference is the trajectory of jihadist terrorism since 2001. Panel discussions will feature leading figures, including Marc Heckner from the French Institute of International Relations and Gonzalo de Salazar Serrantes from Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They are expected to analyze the key actors, operational scenarios, and strategic goals that define this sector of extremism today. The consensus among organizers is that while the threat remains the primary concern for European security, its manifestation has changed, necessitating updated analytical frameworks.
The anniversary provides a structured opportunity to evaluate not just past failures or successes, but the current efficacy of counter-terrorism strategies. By bringing together academics and professionals from both the Spanish and international stages, the forum seeks to identify where current policies align with the evolving reality of the threat. This reflects a broader trend in security studies toward evidence-based policy making, where historical context informs future prevention efforts.
Emerging Extremism and Institutional Challenges
Beyond the traditional jihadist narrative, the forum addresses the rising prominence of other ideological spectrums. According to the event organizers, new forms of violent extremism, particularly those emerging from the far right, are increasingly attempting to undermine social cohesion and public security in liberal democracies. Speakers such as Amarnath Amarasingam from Queen’s University and Joana de Deus from RUSI-Europe will explore these emerging trends, highlighting the diversity of modern radicalization vectors.
The inclusion of state-sponsored terrorism in the discussion agenda further broadens the scope of the debate. This holistic approach recognizes that the security landscape is no longer defined by a single type of actor or ideology. Instead, it presents a complex mosaic of threats that require a diversified response. The forum thus serves as a platform for cross-pollination of ideas, allowing experts to compare methodologies and share insights on combating various forms of radicalization.
Multilateral Cooperation and Future Strategies
The 12th edition of the forum is organized in close cooperation with Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Interior Ministry, and the Canadian Embassy in Spain. This tripartite collaboration highlights the importance of multilateral engagement in addressing security challenges. By involving both European and North American perspectives, the event reinforces the idea that counter-terrorism is a shared responsibility that transcends national borders.
As the sessions conclude, the focus will turn to actionable strategies for the future. The dialogue aims to move beyond diagnosis to prescription, identifying specific measures that can prevent radicalization and disrupt terrorist networks. With the 25th anniversary serving as a backdrop, the forward-looking questions center on how to adapt to a world where the sources of violence are more diverse and diffuse than ever before.
