Open-Source Intelligence and Operational Security for Researching the Far Right

midd.data lighting talk: Open-Source Intelligence and Operational Security for Researching the Far Right

Alex Newhouse, Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism, Middlebury Institute



Data analysis techniques have given us unprecedented insight into extremist methods of radicalization and organization. Social network analysis (SNA), machine learning, and large-scale data scraping tools in particular have allowed open-source intelligence (OSINT) analysts to better understand the threat posed by extremists. However, operational security is an essential part of applied data analysis and OSINT, and it is vital that security best practices are taught alongside data skills. 



Alex’s Bio

Alex is the deputy director of CTEC, where he focuses on using data-driven methods to analyze extremism, terrorism, conspiracy theories, and disinformation. He is an expert in anti-government and far-right extremism, including accelerationism, sovereign citizens, the Christian Identity movement, QAnon, and white supremacy. At CTEC, Alex focuses on projects that used mixed-methods approaches to assist both private and public entities in responding to the threats posed by extremist movements. He holds a BA from Middlebury College, an MA from the Middlebury Institute, and an MS from Georgia Tech.