Synergies between “Hard” and “Soft” Interventions Against Online Extremism: An Agent‑Based Simulation and Cost–Benefit Analysis
Synergies between “Hard” and “Soft” Interventions Against Online Extremism: An Agent‑Based Simulation and Cost–Benefit Analysis
Matteo Vergani Andrea Giovannetti Stephanie Ng Chee Peng Lim James Zhang Robin Scott a School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australiab Faculty of Law and Business, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane AustraliaMatteo Vergani is Director of the Tackling Hate Lab at Deakin University. He is an internationally recognised applied researcher examining the causes of prejudice, discrimination, hate crime, and extremist violence, and strategies to address them. Combining social science, psychology, and data science, his work develops innovative methodologies and reliable measurement tools to address complex societal challenges. Matteo has led major research grants and collaborates with government agencies and civil society organisations to inform policy and practice.Andrea Giovannetti is Assistant Professor in Economics at the Australian Catholic University and Co-Director of the Tackling Hate Lab. He is also a member of the Violence Research Centre at the University of Cambridge, where he completed his Marie-Curie postdoctoral fellowship. His research develops statistical models and high-power computational techniques to study the causes and consequences of complex social problems, with a focus on behavioural diffusion in networks. Andrea collaborates with major UK police forces and organisations on applied research.Stephanie Ng is a PhD candidate in Engineering at Deakin University’s Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation and a researcher in the Tackling Hate Lab. Her work advances computational methods using Natural Language Processing and Large Language Models to address social challenges. She has researched policy framing, stance detection in parliamentary debates, and agent-based modelling of online extremism countermeasures. Stephanie also works on multimodal analysis, including video and image processing for hazard detection and privacy paradox studies.Chee Peng Lim completed his PhD at the University of Sheffield in 1997. His research focuses on Computational Intelligence systems for data analytics and decision support, with applications in medicine, industry, and manufacturing. CP has published over 600 technical works, delivered more than 30 keynote speeches, and received numerous fellowships and international awards. His collaborative software innovations have achieved global recognition, including gold medals at major invention expos in the USA, UK, and Switzerland.James Zhang is Senior Research Fellow in Modelling and Simulation at Deakin University’s Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation. His research applies agent technology to logistics management and cooperative problem-solving in resource-bounded environments. He uses simulation, mathematical programming, and operational research to analyse large-scale infrastructure systems. James’ expertise spans neurosciences, artificial intelligence, machine learning, control engineering, mechatronics, robotics, and information systems, with a focus on integrating these fields to improve decision-making and complex systems performance.Robin Scott is Industry Professor at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation. He served in the Victorian Government as Minister for Finance, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, and Assistant Treasurer, and played a key role in developing Victoria’s response to extremism, including establishing the Centre for Resilient and Inclusive Societies. Robin leads ADI’s strategic partnerships and engagement with end-users, enabling impactful policy translation and fostering research that addresses social cohesion, economic justice, intercultural relations, and sustainable development.