Measuring Extremism in the Social Sciences: The Potential of Artificial Intelligence

Published as a chapter in the edited book Digital Extremism: Artificial Intelligence in Social Sciences and Religion (Al-Mesbar Studies and Research Center, 2025, this study addresses extremism as a multifaceted and evolving threat to global security and social harmony. It explores the intricate interplay between political and religious extremism, which often leads to compounded crises, while identifying the lack of standardized metrics as a primary hindrance to effective tracking. The research delves into the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to establish a robust framework for measuring extremism within the social sciences by identifying key indicators and exploring AI-powered algorithms for detection and analysis. Ultimately, the study aims to provide policymakers and practitioners with a comprehensive understanding and actionable insights to counter this pressing global challenge through an interdisciplinary, technology-driven approach.