Dr. Katarzyna Maniszewska, Collegium Civitas lecturer and Vice-Rector for International Relations was awarded the prestigious Kosciuszko Foundation fellowship for the academic year 2024/25 at the Program on Extremism (PoE), George Washington University. PoE is a leading research center on all forms of extremism. It spearheads innovative academic inquiry, producing empirical work and developing pragmatic policy solutions that resonate with policymakers, civic leaders, and the general public. PoE partners with the world’s most prominent universities, think tanks, media outlets, and governmental agencies.

The Kosciuszko Foundation’s 3-month fellowship enables Dr. Maniszewska to continue her research on terrorism and the media in cooperation with experts at PoE. The project “Terrorism and the Media: New Challenges in a Shifting Paradigm” is a direct continuation of her previous research, focusing on key research questions regarding the role of the media in the strategies of terrorist organizations. This includes exploring whether the modus operandi differs depending on geographical shifts of terrorism.

“The media play a key role in propaganda and disinformation dissemination, thus in radicalization and – at the same time – a key role in resilience building. One of the research foci will be the usage of AI and prospective developments of Machine Learning Technologies,” explains Dr. Maniszewska. “The main objective is to elaborate evidence-based guidelines on radicalization amplifiers that could have a practical application in broad anti-terrorism system where societal resilience is one of the pillars.” – adds Dr. Maniszewska.

Exchange to the US Program funded by the Kościuszko Foundation enables Polish scholars to pursue research or artistic projects at US universities. The KF awards grants and fellowships worth over $600,000 to approximately 40 scholars annually.

The next year’s application to the program process opens in July 2024. More information is available on the Foundation website.