What do you think?
Rate this book
Hate in the Homeland: The New Global Far Right
A startling look at the unexpected places where violent hate groups recruit young people
Hate crimes. Misinformation and conspiracy theories. Foiled white-supremacist plots. The signs of growing far-right extremism are all around us, and communities across America and around the globe are struggling to understand how so many people are being radicalized and why they are increasingly attracted to violent movements. Hate in the Homeland shows how tomorrow's far-right nationalists are being recruited in surprising places, from college campuses and mixed martial arts gyms to clothing stores, online gaming chat rooms, and YouTube cooking channels.
Instead of focusing on the how and why of far-right radicalization, Cynthia Miller-Idriss seeks answers in the physical and virtual spaces where hate is cultivated. Where does the far right do its recruiting? When do young people encounter extremist messaging in their everyday lives? Miller-Idriss shows how far-right groups are swelling their ranks and developing their cultural, intellectual, and financial capacities in a variety of mainstream settings. She demonstrates how young people on the margins of our communities are targeted in these settings, and how the path to radicalization is a nuanced process of moving in and out of far-right scenes throughout adolescence and adulthood.
Hate in the Homeland is essential for understanding the tactics and underlying ideas of modern far-right extremism. This eye-opening book takes readers into the mainstream places and spaces where today's far right is engaging and ensnaring young people, and reveals innovative strategies we can use to combat extremist radicalization.-- "Kirkus Reviews"
Hate crimes. Misinformation and conspiracy theories. Foiled white-supremacist plots. The signs of growing far-right extremism are all around us, and communities across America and around the globe are struggling to understand how so many people are being radicalized and why they are increasingly attracted to violent movements. Hate in the Homeland shows how tomorrow's far-right nationalists are being recruited in surprising places, from college campuses and mixed martial arts gyms to clothing stores, online gaming chat rooms, and YouTube cooking channels.
Instead of focusing on the how and why of far-right radicalization, Cynthia Miller-Idriss seeks answers in the physical and virtual spaces where hate is cultivated. Where does the far right do its recruiting? When do young people encounter extremist messaging in their everyday lives? Miller-Idriss shows how far-right groups are swelling their ranks and developing their cultural, intellectual, and financial capacities in a variety of mainstream settings. She demonstrates how young people on the margins of our communities are targeted in these settings, and how the path to radicalization is a nuanced process of moving in and out of far-right scenes throughout adolescence and adulthood.
Hate in the Homeland is essential for understanding the tactics and underlying ideas of modern far-right extremism. This eye-opening book takes readers into the mainstream places and spaces where today's far right is engaging and ensnaring young people, and reveals innovative strategies we can use to combat extremist radicalization.-- "Kirkus Reviews"
272 pages, Hardcover
Published October 27, 2020
143 people are currently reading
1263 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Miller-Idriss
12 books61 followersCynthia Miller-Idriss is associate professor of education and sociology and director of the International Training and Education Program at American University. Her books include Blood and Culture: Youth, Right-Wing Extremism, and National Belonging in Contemporary Germany.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 28, 2021
I was disappointed with this book. While the author’s intent is laudable, it was overly broad and as a result was not carried out well. The author is well published on these topics so I expected a more polished account. Kathleen Belew’s book “Bring the War Home” was in my opinion a better book.
So what didn’t I like about this?
1) There is much about these topics that is available to readers on the Internet, provided a bit of critical reading is done. I did not find much in the Miller-Idriss account that was not readily available on the web. The value added was not clear to me.
2) Many of the strands of argument used to support the book’s arguments were actually more broader strands of thought/research that were around long before the current resurgence of the far right. For example, conspiracy theories have a long and storied history going back into the 19th and 20th centuries. For example, the “Protocols of the Elders of Zion” was constructed by the Tsar’s security forces and yet continue to live as a conspiracy theory. Conspiracy theories did not originate around the 2016 election and while the author notes this, more context would have been helpful. There is also much on the role of social media in enabling the growth of hate groups, but the points made are not specific to the far right and are much more a common affliction of the Internet age.
3). The author appears to focus the book on a social “thing” that might be called the “Far Right”. Yet at the beginning of the book, the author goes to some effort to explain that this “thing” is really quite diverse and fragmented with different groups have different aims, backgrounds, traditions, and the like. After this characterization - which I agree with - the remainder of the book proceeds as if it is useful to speak about “the new global far right” - that is to treat the object of the book as if it was a real thing with a focus and a set of core characteristics. So which is it? Is the NGFR a thing or a more amorphous collection of actors? If the disparate nature of the phenomena is correct, then applying a unifying conceptual framework to it is smoothing over dissimilarities even though the differences among groups are potentially more interesting and important than the similarities. In any event, it is not unreasonable to expect some theoretical consistency in the account and an effort to address the complex nature of the phenomena.
4). The second part of the book, which discussed some correlates of the NGFR, was disappointing. OK, so place and space matter. OK, so these groups make efforts to manage their appearances to fit into 21st century youth popular culture. OK, so food and physical fitness/MMA becomes part of the story and NGFR ideology. What is the overall point of this? I recall Joni Mitchell singing of clouds.
5) Finally, the book finishes up on a general recap that seems an example of how to restate the problem in the form of a solution. Given the tortured political state of the country and the continuing fallout from last January 6, the recommendations are not compelling and appear to be phoned in.
I wanted to like this book more than I did.
So what didn’t I like about this?
1) There is much about these topics that is available to readers on the Internet, provided a bit of critical reading is done. I did not find much in the Miller-Idriss account that was not readily available on the web. The value added was not clear to me.
2) Many of the strands of argument used to support the book’s arguments were actually more broader strands of thought/research that were around long before the current resurgence of the far right. For example, conspiracy theories have a long and storied history going back into the 19th and 20th centuries. For example, the “Protocols of the Elders of Zion” was constructed by the Tsar’s security forces and yet continue to live as a conspiracy theory. Conspiracy theories did not originate around the 2016 election and while the author notes this, more context would have been helpful. There is also much on the role of social media in enabling the growth of hate groups, but the points made are not specific to the far right and are much more a common affliction of the Internet age.
3). The author appears to focus the book on a social “thing” that might be called the “Far Right”. Yet at the beginning of the book, the author goes to some effort to explain that this “thing” is really quite diverse and fragmented with different groups have different aims, backgrounds, traditions, and the like. After this characterization - which I agree with - the remainder of the book proceeds as if it is useful to speak about “the new global far right” - that is to treat the object of the book as if it was a real thing with a focus and a set of core characteristics. So which is it? Is the NGFR a thing or a more amorphous collection of actors? If the disparate nature of the phenomena is correct, then applying a unifying conceptual framework to it is smoothing over dissimilarities even though the differences among groups are potentially more interesting and important than the similarities. In any event, it is not unreasonable to expect some theoretical consistency in the account and an effort to address the complex nature of the phenomena.
4). The second part of the book, which discussed some correlates of the NGFR, was disappointing. OK, so place and space matter. OK, so these groups make efforts to manage their appearances to fit into 21st century youth popular culture. OK, so food and physical fitness/MMA becomes part of the story and NGFR ideology. What is the overall point of this? I recall Joni Mitchell singing of clouds.
5) Finally, the book finishes up on a general recap that seems an example of how to restate the problem in the form of a solution. Given the tortured political state of the country and the continuing fallout from last January 6, the recommendations are not compelling and appear to be phoned in.
I wanted to like this book more than I did.
March 15, 2022
If you haven't noticed far right messaging in your every day life you are either not paying attention to a really important development going on, or you've already fallen for it. I live in a small rural town. About 3/4 of the people here have already fallen for it. This is some scary shit and it is everywhere.
October 9, 2021
A comprehensive discussion of the alt-right and their efforts to subvert societies across the globe.
Recruiters use some pretty sophistocated forums and tactics...mixed martial arts clubs, clothing stores, gaming chat rooms, college campuses...and YouTube vegan cooking shows. What the heck??
Miller-Idriss shows how cleverly these places are used to move that pesky Overton Window...that imaginary boundary of what a society will accept..speech and behavior. The window's been moving to the right for years, with Trump helping normalize hate and 'very fine people.'
We would be wise to read, to watch, and to fight back with our own messages.
I know a list could become obs0lete quickly, but I kept wishing there was a list, and maybe a website to update groups, places, spaces...I kept thinking that if we could just be informed about what to watch for, we could combat this hate more effectively.
Not a feel-good book at all...but necessary for us all to face.
Recruiters use some pretty sophistocated forums and tactics...mixed martial arts clubs, clothing stores, gaming chat rooms, college campuses...and YouTube vegan cooking shows. What the heck??
Miller-Idriss shows how cleverly these places are used to move that pesky Overton Window...that imaginary boundary of what a society will accept..speech and behavior. The window's been moving to the right for years, with Trump helping normalize hate and 'very fine people.'
We would be wise to read, to watch, and to fight back with our own messages.
I know a list could become obs0lete quickly, but I kept wishing there was a list, and maybe a website to update groups, places, spaces...I kept thinking that if we could just be informed about what to watch for, we could combat this hate more effectively.
Not a feel-good book at all...but necessary for us all to face.
December 7, 2020
This is not an easy book to read but it was well worth my time and attention. The author breaks down, with details and examples, the many ways that the hate and intolerance of the far right is making its way into our lives - both in the US and around the world. Identifying three particularly successful areas in recent times:
*the mainstreaming of exremist political discourse
*the mainstreaming of conspiracy theories
*transformations in far right aesthetics and communication styles
creating repeated exposure to far-right ideology that youth and adults encounter in ordianary spaces and placed in their life. I agree with her hope that we should broaden our strategies to counter this threat to our democracy from, not only a law enforement approach, but to also include more robust proactive education in traditional cultural environments of sports, schools, churches, and clubs. This book has opened my eyes to reasons behind so many American's irrational behaviors, especially in regards to Trump.
*the mainstreaming of exremist political discourse
*the mainstreaming of conspiracy theories
*transformations in far right aesthetics and communication styles
creating repeated exposure to far-right ideology that youth and adults encounter in ordianary spaces and placed in their life. I agree with her hope that we should broaden our strategies to counter this threat to our democracy from, not only a law enforement approach, but to also include more robust proactive education in traditional cultural environments of sports, schools, churches, and clubs. This book has opened my eyes to reasons behind so many American's irrational behaviors, especially in regards to Trump.
January 29, 2021
Would highly recommend if you want to know more about the far-right. This book includes all the essential background knowledge on belief systems plus a fascinating analysis of the “where and when” of radicalization. The solutions offered in the conclusion are realistic and well-informed. I think this book is super important, and honestly very approachable for the general public.
June 10, 2025
This is a smart, accessible book that helped me better understand the WHY behind extremist recruitment.
This book examines spaces that don’t always look political: fitness gyms, fashion, meme culture, gaming, even food.
Miller-Idriss argues that extremism isn’t just happening on the fringe, rather it’s happening in the “homeland,” in the ordinary places where belonging, grievance, and identity take root.
That framing really works, imo.
M/I also offers a clear, layered explanation for why white men, in particular, are drawn into grievance narratives that frame them as victims in a changing world.
At times, the book felt a bit repetitive, though that might be because I’ve read several books on this topic. Still, repetition reinforces the central insight ... that these ideologies are no longer “far-right” in visibility. They’re woven into mainstream culture.
I especially appreciated her chapter on universities as battlegrounds and her emphasis on the importance of teaching media literacy. She warns not just how to fact-check, but how to resist emotional manipulation and recognize misinformation at its roots.
A strong and important read for anyone trying to make sense of the current cultural temperature, especially the backlash to DEI, education, and shifting norms around identity and inclusion.
This book examines spaces that don’t always look political: fitness gyms, fashion, meme culture, gaming, even food.
Miller-Idriss argues that extremism isn’t just happening on the fringe, rather it’s happening in the “homeland,” in the ordinary places where belonging, grievance, and identity take root.
That framing really works, imo.
M/I also offers a clear, layered explanation for why white men, in particular, are drawn into grievance narratives that frame them as victims in a changing world.
At times, the book felt a bit repetitive, though that might be because I’ve read several books on this topic. Still, repetition reinforces the central insight ... that these ideologies are no longer “far-right” in visibility. They’re woven into mainstream culture.
I especially appreciated her chapter on universities as battlegrounds and her emphasis on the importance of teaching media literacy. She warns not just how to fact-check, but how to resist emotional manipulation and recognize misinformation at its roots.
A strong and important read for anyone trying to make sense of the current cultural temperature, especially the backlash to DEI, education, and shifting norms around identity and inclusion.
January 15, 2025
A well-researched book about when and where far-right groups grow and flourish. An important entry in the conversation, although most of the new data stops around 2019-20. I think a new edition with an author update would be interesting in that regard!
September 7, 2021
This book takes a multinational look at a troubling phenomenon that most people associate with backwoods enclaves of the U.S. The author details some startling information regarding how young people in particular are being socialized into extreme authoritarian movements via everything from social media to clothing brands.
It is true, the book repeats itself a lot (expect to read/hear the phrase "places and spaces" many, many times), but the information is important--especially, I would imagine, for people who work with teens/young adults. While it may be a bit too idealistic to imagine the U.S. modelling itself on European nations that have successfully de-radicalized young people moving toward racist violence, the text does offer suggestions on how this can be accomplished.
It is true, the book repeats itself a lot (expect to read/hear the phrase "places and spaces" many, many times), but the information is important--especially, I would imagine, for people who work with teens/young adults. While it may be a bit too idealistic to imagine the U.S. modelling itself on European nations that have successfully de-radicalized young people moving toward racist violence, the text does offer suggestions on how this can be accomplished.
July 24, 2021
The who, what, when, and where might be known to a lot of people, but the why and how are clearly related in this book. So much of today’s hatred in society has been a planned-out deliberate strategy to promote racism. The infiltration of our universities, the Republican Party, and youth culture are discussed in disgusting detail. The last chapter gives suggestions on how to combat hatred but online spaces do not provide a lot of hope.
May 17, 2024
Interesting analysis and descriptions. MMA chapter was particularly interesting. But definitely suffered from that nonfiction book problem where the intro is amazing and some sections are great, but there’s a lot of repetition and a bit to slog through.
January 7, 2021
a solid book club read, interesting and well-written, highly recommend!!
May 27, 2021
Very disturbing...
To realize that there are people living in such bubbles of alternate reality is frightening. The harm to our democracy they are doing, and are capable of doing, is criminal. Terrified of anyone taking away the small amount of crap they have, or educating them to understand, they are truly bipedal mindless sheeple.
To realize that there are people living in such bubbles of alternate reality is frightening. The harm to our democracy they are doing, and are capable of doing, is criminal. Terrified of anyone taking away the small amount of crap they have, or educating them to understand, they are truly bipedal mindless sheeple.
October 23, 2023
Hate in the Homeland is a great introduction to understanding far right and how it grows and operates in the modern world. I am offering a straightforward assessment of this book because it is a straightforward guide to its topic, so much so that I feel like it reads like a university research paperm which makes sense considering this was published by the Princeton University Press and written by Cynthia Miller-Idriss who, after a quick Google, is a university professor and the founder of a research center on extremism in Washington D.C.
Therefore, what you will receive is a functional book dedicated to conveying the research Miller-Idriss has done in this field. Perhaps some readers may not like the research paper style of writing. I personally am totally fine with it, because the information obtained from this book is interesting and useful. I must admit, I've read and studied (and am currently working in a lab focusing on) the far right so much of this was information I knew but perhaps didn't necessarily have one book that squeezed it all into a easily digestible volume. But for people who haven't gone to school for counterterrorism, this is an excellent guide to the modern far right: its ideologies, its recruitment efforts, its propaganda, and its growing support in the mainstream.
For those who are well versed in extremism studies, this book does offer something which I thought was second nature to researchers at this point but Miller-Idriss seemed to think it wasn't: the importance of space and place in modern far right radicalization. As opposed to the right wing movements of perhaps the 90s which relied on specific concerts and gangs and bars and other places and spaces, the new far right has exploited the internet and youth culture to seemingly its fullest to further far right goals and political ambitions. Technically I don't see this as a new thing, most journalists have been covering online radicalization of individuals ever since the rise of ISIS in 2013. But it is true that the United States in particular has lagged behind most of its allies in tackling domestic terrorism, most of which is conducted by individuals on the far right, so I can see the purpose of publishing a book like this to bring these newish radicalization methods to the fore. I learned quite a few things about radicalization avenues, particularly about cooking shows and MMA gyms.
If there are particular points I disagree on in this book, it's that it's not necessarily deep enough to really dig through the idiosyncrasies and hypocrisies of far right talking points and revisionist history (though she did do that a bit with her discussion of the history of race science). But then again, this book is more of an exploratory research paper and not a comprehensive analysis and critique of far right culture. The conclusion of the book did actually shift my thinking about deradicalization programs though. I've typically been cautiously optimistic about the concept of deradicalization, but Miller-Idriss shows that perhaps a more effective way of combating extremism is to interrupt radicalization rather than wait for it to take hold. And while I am impressed at hearing in particular German efforts at promoting society-wide programs that seem to accomplish this mission decently well, I know for a fact that no such program would be possible in the US for a myriad of complicated reasons. Still, it's good to have real world examples in action.
A recommend for me for anyone who needs a straightforward academic introduction to the far right today.
Therefore, what you will receive is a functional book dedicated to conveying the research Miller-Idriss has done in this field. Perhaps some readers may not like the research paper style of writing. I personally am totally fine with it, because the information obtained from this book is interesting and useful. I must admit, I've read and studied (and am currently working in a lab focusing on) the far right so much of this was information I knew but perhaps didn't necessarily have one book that squeezed it all into a easily digestible volume. But for people who haven't gone to school for counterterrorism, this is an excellent guide to the modern far right: its ideologies, its recruitment efforts, its propaganda, and its growing support in the mainstream.
For those who are well versed in extremism studies, this book does offer something which I thought was second nature to researchers at this point but Miller-Idriss seemed to think it wasn't: the importance of space and place in modern far right radicalization. As opposed to the right wing movements of perhaps the 90s which relied on specific concerts and gangs and bars and other places and spaces, the new far right has exploited the internet and youth culture to seemingly its fullest to further far right goals and political ambitions. Technically I don't see this as a new thing, most journalists have been covering online radicalization of individuals ever since the rise of ISIS in 2013. But it is true that the United States in particular has lagged behind most of its allies in tackling domestic terrorism, most of which is conducted by individuals on the far right, so I can see the purpose of publishing a book like this to bring these newish radicalization methods to the fore. I learned quite a few things about radicalization avenues, particularly about cooking shows and MMA gyms.
If there are particular points I disagree on in this book, it's that it's not necessarily deep enough to really dig through the idiosyncrasies and hypocrisies of far right talking points and revisionist history (though she did do that a bit with her discussion of the history of race science). But then again, this book is more of an exploratory research paper and not a comprehensive analysis and critique of far right culture. The conclusion of the book did actually shift my thinking about deradicalization programs though. I've typically been cautiously optimistic about the concept of deradicalization, but Miller-Idriss shows that perhaps a more effective way of combating extremism is to interrupt radicalization rather than wait for it to take hold. And while I am impressed at hearing in particular German efforts at promoting society-wide programs that seem to accomplish this mission decently well, I know for a fact that no such program would be possible in the US for a myriad of complicated reasons. Still, it's good to have real world examples in action.
A recommend for me for anyone who needs a straightforward academic introduction to the far right today.
April 23, 2023
I haven’t read a social science book outside of a class-context in ages so I really enjoyed reading this!
I found Miller-Idriss’ focus on space and place as the vessel through which people become integrated into extremism very interesting and well-argued. I like that she paid attention to not just physical but also digital places and how these arenas naturally build on long standing right-wring rhetoric. I also appreciated her focus on the mainstreaming of extremism and how that occurs specifically through space and place. In particular, her discussions of how the far right simultaneously weakens left wing spaces and co-opts said spaces for their own gain was really interesting and resonant. Overall, the argument here was well-put and built on pre-existing analyses in a compelling way.
I also appreciated how she didn’t end the book with platitudes about self-education or calling out friends/family/whoever, but instead pointed to pre-existing and developing interventions and how they, specifically, work to combat extremism. I hate platitudes and thoughts and prayers rhetoric, so I liked that she didn’t go there. I also found her holistic “innoculation” approach to be well-thought out and convincing!
While I enjoyed this overall, however, I wish there had been more data. Miller-Idriss does cite some people she interviewed for previous projects and occasionally will reference quantitative statistics, but not enough for my liking. I think putting this same idea into a more ethnographic frame (involving interviews with former or current extremists about their radicalization pathways) would have been more engaging and convincing. However, given the dearth of statistical extremism research and her previous projects, I understand why she did not spend time gathering entirely new data and instead used what was out there.
In short, this was an engaging read that did an excellent job of offering a new, vital lens to the issue of right-wing extremism. I would highly recommend it to those interested in this issue, especially people who aren’t into super academic language.
I found Miller-Idriss’ focus on space and place as the vessel through which people become integrated into extremism very interesting and well-argued. I like that she paid attention to not just physical but also digital places and how these arenas naturally build on long standing right-wring rhetoric. I also appreciated her focus on the mainstreaming of extremism and how that occurs specifically through space and place. In particular, her discussions of how the far right simultaneously weakens left wing spaces and co-opts said spaces for their own gain was really interesting and resonant. Overall, the argument here was well-put and built on pre-existing analyses in a compelling way.
I also appreciated how she didn’t end the book with platitudes about self-education or calling out friends/family/whoever, but instead pointed to pre-existing and developing interventions and how they, specifically, work to combat extremism. I hate platitudes and thoughts and prayers rhetoric, so I liked that she didn’t go there. I also found her holistic “innoculation” approach to be well-thought out and convincing!
While I enjoyed this overall, however, I wish there had been more data. Miller-Idriss does cite some people she interviewed for previous projects and occasionally will reference quantitative statistics, but not enough for my liking. I think putting this same idea into a more ethnographic frame (involving interviews with former or current extremists about their radicalization pathways) would have been more engaging and convincing. However, given the dearth of statistical extremism research and her previous projects, I understand why she did not spend time gathering entirely new data and instead used what was out there.
In short, this was an engaging read that did an excellent job of offering a new, vital lens to the issue of right-wing extremism. I would highly recommend it to those interested in this issue, especially people who aren’t into super academic language.
Want to read
October 28, 2021Publisher's Description: A startling look at the unexpected places where violent hate groups recruit young people Hate crimes. Misinformation and conspiracy theories. Foiled white-supremacist plots. The signs of growing far-right extremism are all around us, and communities across America and around the globe are struggling to understand how so many people are being radicalized and why they are increasingly attracted to violent movements. Hate in the Homeland shows how tomorrow's far-right nationalists are being recruited in surprising places, from college campuses and mixed martial arts gyms to clothing stores, online gaming chat rooms, and YouTube cooking channels. Instead of focusing on the how and why of far-right radicalization, Cynthia Miller-Idriss seeks answers in the physical and virtual spaces where hate is cultivated. Where does the far right do its recruiting? When do young people encounter extremist messaging in their everyday lives? Miller-Idriss shows how far-right groups are swelling their ranks and developing their cultural, intellectual, and financial capacities in a variety of mainstream settings. She demonstrates how young people on the margins of our communities are targeted in these settings, and how the path to radicalization is a nuanced process of moving in and out of far-right scenes throughout adolescence and adulthood. Hate in the Homeland is essential for understanding the tactics and underlying ideas of modern far-right extremism. This eye-opening book takes readers into the mainstream places and spaces where today's far right is engaging and ensnaring young people, and reveals innovative strategies we can use to combat extremist radicalization.
September 22, 2022
A good survey of the far right in the US and Germany, but already feels somewhat dated--as the author admits it will probably quickly do. I liked best the fact that Miller-Idriss calls things by their proper names, yet it feels like she's holding back when it comes to saying that much of what passes for 'conservative' nowadays is actually fascist or at least fascist-leaning. At times--especially when talking about youth culture--it feels she is talking about something she read about in a book rather than experienced herself (who calls Nazi punk 'hard rock'?), but perhaps this serves a reader who does not know anything about the scene. The book obviously cuts other corners as well because it is a popular warning rather than a study, but the warnings are spot on. Most importantly, it got me interested in her proper academic research on German far right youth.
January 16, 2023
This book covers the "new" sensation of the global far-right, Cynthia breaks down this in several ways. How they recruit new people, how they grow and change with the times, how to identify them, and where they are most likely to be. Miller-Idriss breaks this all down very academically, with a ton of sources, it's a very unbiased piece of media. My one thing would be, if you weren't already reading about this kind of stuff, the scholarly prose makes it a little difficult to enjoy. I do like though that each chapter is dedicated to a different topic, recalling and connecting ideas from previous chapters, making the reading a little more easy.
July 5, 2022
I didnt read this from cover to cover--I read most of it. A lot of it was things I already knew. The chapter about MMA fighting was interesting, though. I didnt know much about this world and its connections to ideology and politics(where they exist--I'm sure that many MMA fighters are not down with these ideas, and I wouldn't want to smear them )
The sections on internet memes and code language and symbols were also useful, although these things change quickly, and some of it may already be outdated.
The sections on internet memes and code language and symbols were also useful, although these things change quickly, and some of it may already be outdated.
January 7, 2025
i bought this book awhile ago and never got around to reading it until this past semester when i took a class on the rise of the far-right in the western world. it covered a lot of ground about the modern far-right movement but was ultimately a little underwhelming. reading this alongside gods, guns, and sedition really shed light on this book's weaknesses. that being said, it is well sourced and informative. i did use it several times throughout my final paper! best for someone who is unfamiliar with the nuances of modern far-right activity :)
January 29, 2021
3 stars because I didn't get much new information from this book, but I don't really have a reason to give any fewer.
It's concise and covers a lot of ground. Overall I also liked the attention given to when and where radicalisation happens. The chapter on food and fashion was the most interesting to me: a German far-right vegan cook show where the hosts cover their faces with balaclavas is a memorable example for its utter weirdness.
It's concise and covers a lot of ground. Overall I also liked the attention given to when and where radicalisation happens. The chapter on food and fashion was the most interesting to me: a German far-right vegan cook show where the hosts cover their faces with balaclavas is a memorable example for its utter weirdness.
May 2, 2021
A good primer for those that want to learn about the rise of new far right movements, but not very informative once you are slightly more knowledgeable on the subject. Sometimes too centrist for me, but props to the author for saying that law enforcement alone cannot help in preventing radicalization - it should be a community effort and a task undertaken by the society at large.
April 9, 2025
Mixed feelings about this one but I mostly liked it. I think this is a very accessible way to learn more about the way young people are radicalised today. Now this is very US focused which is totally fine, I had issues with some other examples the author picked (lots of focus on Ukraine for some reason), I feel like there were better examples to pick outside the US.
Still super interesting
Still super interesting
January 16, 2021
Excellent. Concise but with plenty of depth. Well researched and supported. In a sense, shocking to understand what I did not know, though I knew that ahead of time, which is why I read the book. It delivered.
January 21, 2021
An extremely dense, comprehensive and fascinating examination of the far right/ extreme right, dark right and it's infiltration into mainstream societal life. Highly recommended, but be prepared to think and contemplate.
January 25, 2021
Dr. Miller-Idriss offers a sobering analysis of the new spaces and ways the far right is looking to radicalize new members and mainstream their message, which is particularly relevant in light of current events. This book is information dense but still very readable.
April 15, 2021
Read this for research purposes and because I love the author and wow—it is so important. I think everyone should read because we all have a role to play in fighting extremism. Very accessible, urgent material, well-written and researched, best sociological book I’ve read in awhile!!
June 10, 2021
A scholarly monograph on the techniques used by far right organizations to attract new members to their groups. The author describes “new spaces and places” that are fomenting the new right. Read for my book club.
March 6, 2022
Very worthwhile read for me and opened my eyes to more of what is happening among the far right and how to confront it in democracy. Written by a Cornell alumnus who is a university sociologist who has offered Congressional testimony.
May 27, 2022
Where does hate come from? How do people become radicalized? Are you one of them? All these questions are answered in @milleridriss book. An enthralling account of how hate thrives and what to do about it.
August 2, 2022
An Important Story
A very good book that assesses far right and antisemitic places and spaces throughout contemporary society. A well researched and articulated book that everyone should read. If you want to keep your kid's safe...a must read.
A very good book that assesses far right and antisemitic places and spaces throughout contemporary society. A well researched and articulated book that everyone should read. If you want to keep your kid's safe...a must read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews