Lorenzo G. Vidino

 

Lorenzo G. Vidino

Dr. Lorenzo G. Vidino is an Italian-American academic and author who specializes in Islamism in Europe and North America, with a particular focus on the Muslim Brotherhood.

 

Current Roles

Director, Program on Extremism: He leads this program at George Washington University, where his research covers mobilization dynamics of jihadist networks and government counter-radicalization policies.

Observatory Head: He heads the "Radicalization and International Terrorism" Observatory at the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI).

Advisory & Government Work: He has advised law enforcement agencies worldwide and was appointed in 2016 to coordinate the National Commission on Jihadist Radicalization by the Italian Prime Minister.

Vidino's work often examines the "legalistic" or non-violent forms of Islamism that operate within Western legal frameworks.

The Closed Circle: Joining and Leaving the Muslim Brotherhood in the West (2020): Based on interviews with former members, detailing why individuals join and eventually leave the movement.

The New Muslim Brotherhood in the West (2010): A seminal text analyzing the history and influence of the movement in Europe and North America.

Al Qaeda in Europe: The New Battleground of Global Jihad (2006): One of the first comprehensive studies on Al Qaeda's European operations.

Academic Degrees: He holds a law degree from the University of Milan and a Ph.D. in international relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.

Previous Positions: He has held research roles at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, the RAND Corporation, and ETH Zurich.

Vidino is a frequent commentator for major outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and BBC. His work has faced criticism and legal challenges from organizations and individuals he has identified as linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, including a notable lawsuit filed by Professor Farid Hafez.