A significant portion of research into the radical right is dedicated to their activities online or the culmination of radicalization in high-profile incidents such as rallies, protests, or acts of terrorism and violence. It’s insightful, however, to delve into the ways the radical right fosters community within the ordinary, seamlessly integrating into mainstream society and settings. This deeper understanding of their communal engagement can enhance our grasp of radicalization and inform the development of grassroots interventions that are impactful.
This discussion will cover three primary community foundations created by the radical right: 1) foundations based on faith and spirituality, referred to here as ‘exaltations’; 2) foundations based on recreation and leisure, termed ‘celebrations’; and 3) economic and financial foundations, labeled ’empires’.
Introduction: A Man Walks into a Bar Imagine a man entering a bar, engaging in conversation shortly after. This scenario marks the start of the radical right’s community-building, a critical prelude to the more visible acts of rallies and violence. These initial, seemingly minor interactions set off a chain reaction of radicalization that spreads through communities.
As we reflect on the events of January 6, 2021, in Washington DC, it becomes crucial to focus on the local community’s role and the ordinariness of daily life in sparking radicalization. What generates these radicalization pathways, and what types of community structures do they foster? Scholars, including Cynthia Miller-Idriss, call for deeper exploration into how the radical right merges with mainstream culture, economics, and politics.
Current studies have pinpointed three specific infrastructures tied to the radical right’s development, which are often overlooked in understanding the formation and appeal of radical right ideologies. Through extensive research across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, this work highlights three critical community pillars: ‘exaltations,’ ‘celebrations,’ and ’empires,’ crucial in the radical right’s everyday integration.
Focusing on a case study of a Southern U.S. exurban lake area known for its strong radical-right presence, this analysis explores local faith networks (‘exaltations’), the lake as a recreational and political space (‘celebrations’), and the local cryptocurrency infrastructure (’empires’).
- Exaltations The role of evangelical Christianity and new-age Christian faith in supporting right-wing ideologies is well-documented. This study examines how Christian nationalism acts as a conduit between faith communities and political figures, particularly in the vicinity of ‘Lake Maxwell,’ a pseudonym for a region with a history of Christian fundamentalism and political activism. This area attracts individuals seeking evangelical communities, including those desiring faith-based education that aligns with their ideological beliefs.
- Celebrations The lifestyle preferences of radical-right communities, including outdoor recreation and large gatherings, often go unnoticed in discussions about political radicalization. Yet, these activities are critical in understanding how radical ideologies are perpetuated. ‘Lake Maxwell’ serves as a focal point for such celebrations, blending ideology with leisure in a manner that makes radical views more palatable and mainstream.
- Empires The association between cryptocurrencies and the radical right is emerging as an area of interest for researchers, highlighting how these digital currencies facilitate anonymous funding and support for extremist groups. The ‘Lake Maxwell’ example illustrates how crypto operations, alongside traditional businesses, can create a network of financial support for radical-right causes, contributing to a self-sustaining ecosystem of ideology-driven investment.
Conclusion The ‘Lake Maxwell’ case study exemplifies the importance of recognizing the radical right’s everyday activities and community-building efforts as precursors to more overt and potentially violent actions. It underscores the need for community-focused, preventative initiatives that address the root infrastructures of radicalization. By starting at the grassroots level, it’s possible to confront and mitigate the seeds of tomorrow’s extremism today.