Manuel Ricardo Torres Soriano

Manuel Ricardo Torres Soriano is a Catedrático de Universidad (Full Professor) in Public Law at Pablo de Olavide University in Seville, Spain. His academic work focuses on political and administrative science with a specialization in terrorism studies, particularly jihadist terrorism and cyberterrorism. He serves as one of the 15 international advisors on the Advisory Council on Terrorism and Propaganda of the European Counter-Terrorism Centre (ECTC) within Europol, contributing to European counterterrorism efforts since the center's establishment nearly three years ago.

• PhD in Political Science from Universidad de Granada (2007), thesis: "La dimensión propagandística del terrorismo yihadista global"
• Academic experience at institutions including London, Stanford, and Harvard
• Professor at both Pablo de Olavide University and the University of Granada (UGR)

Professor Torres Soriano specializes in the intersection of terrorism, technology, and political communication. His research examines jihadist propaganda ecosystems, cyberterrorism, disinformation campaigns, and the evolving nature of modern terrorism. He has pioneered work on the concept of "technophobic terrorism" as a potential fifth wave of terrorism, building on David Rapoport's theoretical framework of terrorism waves. His expertise spans both historical analysis of terrorist movements and forward-looking assessments of emerging threats in the digital age, with particular focus on how technology transforms both terrorist tactics and counterterrorism responses.

His recent publications reveal a consistent analytical framework examining how terrorist organizations adapt to technological change, particularly in the digital realm. He has documented the evolution of jihadist media platforms, analyzed Russian disinformation tactics using false-flag cyber operations, and explored the relationship between technological advancement and potential future terrorist motivations. A recurring theme across his work is how digital technologies both enable new forms of terrorism while simultaneously providing tools for counterterrorism efforts, creating a complex dynamic that requires sophisticated analytical approaches.

• Member of the Advisory Council on Terrorism and Propaganda of the European Counter-Terrorism Centre (ECTC) within Europol
• Recipient of recognition from Spain's Ministry of Defense for his doctoral thesis
• Author of influential books including "Espejismos del mañana" and "#Desinformación. Poder y manipulación en la era digital"

Professor Torres Soriano actively contributes to security policy through his work with European security institutions and Spanish government advisory bodies. He has collaborated extensively with state security forces in both analytical and training capacities, translating academic insights into practical counterterrorism strategies. His research has informed counterterrorism approaches in Spain and at the European level, particularly regarding online radicalization, digital countermeasures, and the evolving nature of terrorist propaganda. He regularly engages with policymakers through institutional reports and advisory roles, ensuring his academic work has direct relevance to contemporary security challenges.

His work bridges academic research with practical security applications through collaborations with the European Counter-Terrorism Centre, Spanish security services, and international academic networks focused on extremism and counterterrorism. As digital technologies continue to transform the security landscape, his research remains at the forefront of understanding how terrorist organizations adapt their strategies and how societies can develop effective countermeasures in the digital age.