A report out the morning from the Security Intelligence Service has found young and vulnerable people are more likely be radicalised by extremist material online. The third annual Security Threat Environment report says New Zealand is facing the most challenging national security environment of recent times, with foreign interference, espionage, and online radicalisation all highlighted as threats.
Much of the report contained similar analysis and threats to the two previously released reports, though the NZSIS noted further deterioration since last year's report. This was largely driven by less stable relationships between states, and increasing levels of polarisation and grievance. Young and more vulnerable people were seen as being particularly at risk of becoming radicalised, with ease of access being a key contributor to the cases brought to NZSIS attention. The Service says the most plausible violent extremist scenario remains a lone actor who has been radicalised online.
Chris Wilson is senior lecturer at University of Auckland, and is the programme director of the Master of Conflict and Terrorism Studies. Before joining the university he held professional roles in conflict analysis and prevention with the World Bank and United Nations.
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