The Soufan Center has published a report discussing the most significant trends in terrorism and counterterrorism around the world. It begins with a discussion of foreign terrorist groups, in particular the Islamic State and al Qa’ida. The reports notes that both are increasingly acting through regional affiliates embedded in local dynamics and conflicts, rather than their centralized operational core. On the domestic front, the report discusses the rise in violence instigated by extremist groups, most dramatically illustrated by the events on January 6 at the U.S. Capitol. It also comments on the effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on both extremist groups as well as transnational jihadist groups, noting that when it comes to the latter category restrictions limiting movement by operatives and access to targets make large scale attacks unlikely. However, this period of relative quiet may provide opportunities for planning and preparing sophisticated attacks when restrictions are lifted. At the same time, with young people increasingly spending more time online, violent extremist groups across the ideological spectrum have further opportunities to spread their narratives, recruit, and mobilize. The report concludes by observing that while the global terrorist landscape looks more diffuse and diverse than has previously, counterterrorism officials are not starting with a blank slate. It emphasizes that there are over two decades of lessons learned and infrastructure developed that can be tailored to address current threats. Read more at the Soufan Center.