Manjana Sold

Manjana Sold is a Research Associate and Doctoral Candidate in the Research Department Transnational Politics at the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF), actively contributing to the PRIF Research Group 'Radicalization, Terrorism and Extremism Prevention'. Her work focuses on digital mobilization strategies employed by Islamist and right-wing extremist actors, with emphasis on internet-mediated radicalization processes and prevention methodologies.

Her academic background includes a Master of Arts in International Studies/Peace and Conflict Research from Goethe University Frankfurt (2016) and dual Bachelor degrees from the University of Bonn: a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Society and a Bachelor of Science in Geography (both completed in 2012).

Sold's research examines the complex interplay between online and offline radicalization, tracking evolving trends in extremist group activities across ideological spectra. She investigates how digital platforms facilitate mobilization, the relationship between Islamism and right-wing extremism, and develops evidence-based prevention approaches. Her work consistently addresses methodological and ethical challenges in extremism research, particularly regarding data protection compliance.

Analysis of her recent publications (2020-2025) reveals a concentrated focus on online radicalization dynamics, with significant attention to co-escalation patterns in contentious politics and the exploitation of global crises (Ukraine war, pandemics) by extremist propagandists. Her scholarship bridges theoretical frameworks with practical counter-extremism applications, emphasizing cross-ideological connections and platform governance challenges.

Scientific recognition includes:

• GRADE Early Career Researcher scholarship (2022)

Professional contributions encompass supervising the BpB MasterClass Islamism (2021-2024), serving on GIFCT's Transparency Working Group (2021-2022), and participating in high-impact projects like KURI ('Configurations of Social and Political Practices in Dealing with Radical Islam'). As a doctoral candidate, she has not yet advised graduate students but has trained practitioners through structured programs. Her research integrates field observations with policy-relevant analysis through sustained engagement with international networks.

Sold maintains active membership in the PRIF Research Group 'Radicalization, Terrorism and Extremism Prevention' and contributes to global initiatives including the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT) and the Global Network on Extremism and Technology (GNET), where she addresses transnational security challenges through collaborative research frameworks.