FAQs

What is ARC?

The Accelerationist Research Consortium is a cross-sector collaboration of researchers, practitioners, analysts, and journalists who are dedicated to understanding and mitigating the threat posed by accelerationist terrorism.

Why accelerationism?

Accelerationism is an understudied but urgent development in political violence and terrorism. It presents a distinct global and transnational security threat to democratic societies that defies conventional counter-terrorism mechanisms and programs. Many facets of accelerationist terrorism have been evaluated across various sectors, but until now no concerted effort to collectively address the threat has been conducted. To date, accelerationist terrorism has yet to be analyzed with methodological rigor, nor has its assessment received the necessary financial and institutional support. We aim to correct this oversight.

What does ARC hope to achieve? 

The goal of ARC is to provide a forum for researchers to generate empirical, objective analysis and research on the topic of accelerationism. We aim to bridge the divide between practitioners, researchers, and journalists by establishing cross-industry working groups that will collaboratively discuss, debate, and level-set approaches to understanding and addressing the threat of accelerationist actors and groups. Through engagements with internal partners and external stakeholders, ARC will position itself as a trusted partner to all on evaluating accelerationism. 

ARC is also committed to empowering independent and emerging researchers.  Diversity of thought and analytical capabilities is crucial for staying at the forefront of an ever-evolving terrorist threat and an ever-evolving digital ecosystem.

How do I become a Fellow?

There are no set requirements for qualifying as a potential Research Fellow. We welcome interested candidates from all educational and career backgrounds and levels. Research fellows commit to writing one short analytical report or facilitating one ARC-sponsored event per year. This requirement can also be met through co-authoring and contributing to longer reports. Research fellows can get involved with ARC working groups, as well.

If you’re interested in learning more, click on the “Join ARC” button on the home page and fill out our contact form. We’ll be in touch.

How do I join the  Advisory Board?

Advisory Board members commit to participating in a quarterly meeting with the ARC Steering Committee. Board members are also encouraged to write publications, contribute to events, and provide mentorship to ARC Research Fellows.

If you’re interested in learning more, click on the “Join ARC” button on the home page and fill out our contact form. We’ll be in touch.

Is there a way I can contribute in a casual or one-off capacity?

Of course. Our working groups are open to contributors who are neither Fellows nor Advisory Board members. All of our ongoing projects are housed within a given working group.

How is ARC different from existing consortia on extremism?

There are some incredible fora and research centers conducting timely, critical work surrounding emerging extremist threats. At ARC, we aren’t going to waste time recreating the wheel or publishing on topics that have already been thoroughly tackled just for the sake of publishing. Rather, we are focusing on a niche, understudied topic in the hopes that we inspire more rigorous and empirical research on accelerationism across the board. We are building upon the work already undertaken by consortia and networks in this space and already have collaborations with some of these entities in the works.