Human history is marked by moments of extremism – authoritarian movements, fanatical nationalism, racial and ethnic intolerance, and hate engendered by stereotypes.
Today, extremism is different because of recent technological advancements and increased global interdependencies. Our ability to counteract extremism requires that we re-examine it. The time to do so is now. NYU — with its diverse student population, world-renowned faculty, and global impact — is uniquely positioned to facilitate an experience that supports our collective efforts to understand extremism, spot it before it takes hold, and empower people to become more resilient. We need to think more deeply about how extremism is fostered and what we can do to counteract it in the future. Extremism Examined assembles a diverse cohort of students to explore: extremist movements today, post-World War II history that inspired new forms of extremism across the world, the origins of the Holocaust, the conditions that gave rise to radicalization and fanatical nationalism, and intergenerational transmission of trauma, values, stories, purpose, and memory.
What will the program look like?
Spring 2026
In-person Weekly Seminars
Participants will develop theoretical frameworks for extremism and resilience and build the capacity for difficult conversations within the group. Seminars take place on Fridays from 10am-12pm.
Spring Break Study Tour
Participants will explore the history of slavery, racial terror lynchings, and mass incarceration, as well as contemporary manifestations of white supremacy and its relationship with neo-Nazism. Students will also visit research centers and think tanks that focus on US domestic and foreign policy.
Spring Break Study tour dates for 2026 are March 15-22.
Summer 2026
Summer Study Tour
Participants will explore Paris and Berlin through the lens of the history of World War II, the Holocaust, and the rise of the far right and communism today. In Israel, students will gain exposure to Palestinian and Israeli extremist movements before and after October 7th, as well as peacemaking and resilience-building efforts.
Summer Study tour dates for 2026 are May 17-31.
Research Project
Each participant will conduct a research project on an extremist organization of their choosing. Presentations of research projects will take place at the end of the summer travel experience at NYU Berlin.
Who are we looking for?The ideal candidate is someone who is:
An undergraduate student in their first, second, or third year based at NYU’s New York campus
From a background that has been touched by extremism, either through study or personal experience
Engaged in their school or the NYU community
A critical thinker who is comfortable engaging with diverse perspectives and is willing to have their assumptions challenged
Excited about the opportunity to be a member and co-creator of a highly selective, deeply concentrated and intense experience
What is the application, interview and selection process?
Interested students complete an online application by October 1, 2025 at 11:59 EST. Applicants should be prepared to submit their resume, a writing sample, and a one-minute video. Applicants must also be prepared to share the name, email, and position of an NYU-affiliated reference, who will be asked to submit a separate recommendation.
Extremism Examined staff review applications and invite the top candidates to schedule a 15-20 minute interview.
Interviews will occur via Zoom from October 13-31.
Applicants receive an update on the status of their application in Slate by November 17.
What will participants receive?Participants will receive:
All expense-paid travel to and during travel experiences.
An opportunity to engage with influential community leaders and university faculty.
A $1,000 award upon completion of the program.
Profound moments of cultural exchange, community building, and knowledge development.
Meaningful experiences, including intensive research, that they can leverage on their resumes for professional development.
2025 Cohort
2024 Cohort
2023 Cohort
Questions?
Interested in learning more about Extremism Examined?