Extreme Far right extremism is a term that encompasses a variety of political ideologies and movements that share some common features, such as radical conservatism, ultra-nationalism, authoritarianism, and nativism. These groups and individuals often oppose democracy, human rights, multiculturalism, immigration, and globalisation, and may advocate violence, terrorism, or genocide to achieve their goals.
According to Wikipedia, “Far-right politics, or right-wing extremism, is a spectrum of political thought that tends to be radically conservative, ultra-nationalist, and authoritarian, often also including nativist tendencies.” The name derives from the left–right political spectrum, with the “far right” considered further from center than the standard political right.
The far right’s worldview is based on organicism, the idea that society functions as a complete, organized and homogeneous living being. They reject universalism and diversity, and idealize a “we” that excludes a “they”. They view their community as in a state of decay or crisis, and portray themselves as a natural, sane and alternative elite that can save society from its doom. They also reject the current political system and the global order, which they see as corrupt, decadent, or oppressive.
The far right is not a monolithic bloc, but rather a fragmented movement with different groups and ideologies. Some of the main categories of far-right extremism are:
- Racist extremism: This includes groups and individuals that believe in the superiority of one race over another, and seek to preserve or expand their racial purity or dominance. Examples of racist extremist groups are neo-Nazis, white supremacists, Ku Klux Klan, and neo-Confederates.
- Nativist extremism: This includes groups and individuals that oppose immigration and multiculturalism, and seek to protect or restore the cultural or ethnic identity of their nation or region. Examples of nativist extremist groups are anti-Muslim groups, anti-Semitic groups, anti-Roma groups, and ethno-nationalist groups.
- Anti-government extremism: This includes groups and individuals that oppose the authority or legitimacy of the state or federal government, and seek to resist or overthrow it by force or violence. Examples of anti-government extremist groups are militias, sovereign citizens, anarchists, and secessionists.
The threat from extreme far-right terrorism is real and growing. According to Stanford University, “Since 2010 there have been 113 attacks by far-right extremists in the United States alone.” These attacks have targeted religious minorities, racial minorities, political opponents, journalists, law enforcement officers, government officials, and civilians. Some of the most notorious examples of far-right terrorist attacks are:
- The 2011 Norway attacks by Anders Behring Breivik, who killed 77 people in a bombing and shooting rampage motivated by his anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant views.
- The 2015 Charleston church shooting by Dylann Roof, who killed nine African-American worshippers in a racially motivated attack.
- The 2016 Quebec City mosque shooting by Alexandre Bissonnette, who killed six Muslim men in an Islamophobic attack.
- The 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville by white supremacists and neo-Nazis, which resulted in the death of one counter-protester and injuries to dozens more.
- The 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting by Robert Bowers, who killed 11 Jewish people in an anti-Semitic attack.
- The 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings by Brenton Tarrant, who killed 51 Muslim worshippers in a white supremacist attack.
- The 2019 El Paso Walmart shooting by Patrick Crusius, who killed 23 people in an anti-Hispanic attack.
The UK is also facing a rising threat from far-right extremists. According to The Guardian, “Since March 2017, counter-terrorism police and the intelligence services have stopped 32 plots they assess as aiming to cause mass casualties on British soil. Of these they assess 18 were Islamist related, and 12 were triggered by extreme rightwing terrorist ideology.” Some of the recent examples of far-right terrorist plots or attacks in the UK are:
- The 2017 Finsbury Park attack by Darren Osborne, who drove a van into Muslim worshippers outside a mosque in London, killing one person.
- The 2018 National Action trial of six members of a banned neo-Nazi group who planned to murder Labour MP Rosie Cooper with a machete.
- The 2020 stabbing attack at Forbury Gardens in Reading by Khairi Saadallah, who killed three people in an attack inspired by neo-Nazi ideology.
How can we prevent or counter extreme far-right extremism? There is no simple or easy answer to this question. However, some possible measures include:
- Strengthening democratic institutions and values
- Promoting social cohesion and inclusion
- Challenging hate speech and propaganda
- Educating the public about the dangers and signs of radicalisation
- Supporting the victims and survivors of extremist violence
- Enhancing the cooperation and coordination among law enforcement, intelligence, and civil society actors
- Providing effective interventions and deradicalisation programs for those at risk or involved in extremist activities
Extreme far-right extremism is a serious and complex problem that requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted response. By understanding its causes, manifestations, and impacts, we can better address this threat and protect our society from its harms.
