Right-wing terrorism, extremism and fringe politics

In this unit you will examine international cases of neo-Nazis, white supremacists and white separatists, conspiracy communities, fringe subcultures and individual actors, and violent events to develop an understanding of contemporary right-wing extremism and terrorism. You will analyse the fringe political theories, religious orientations, identity politics, and socio-political conditions that drive right-wing extremist violence and political action. The unit invites you to address the following questions: What is right-wing extremism and terrorism? How is right-wing extremism different from other forms of right-wing and extremist politics?  Why do some right-wing extremists choose to use violence while others do not? How may conspiracy theories and fringe religious beliefs foster, sustain, and attempt to legitimate right-wing extremism and terrorism? What are right-wing extremists’ attitudes towards the environment and climate change? How do right-wing extremism and terrorism threaten liberal democracy? How have different countries, communities and social movements responded to right-wing extremists?