Author: Grace Vaule
Published: 1 September 2021
Abstract: Recent research on terrorism and political violence has sought to better conceptualize the far-right. Specifically, various studies have contributed hypotheses regarding the White nationalist movement within the United States. Nevertheless, additional reflection is imperative to ensure the production of resonant counternarratives, the proper implementation of counterterrorism and counterextremism measures, and the overall reduction of racial hate and conflict. As such, this paper will provide further insight into the American White nationalist movement by determining how White nationalist groups differentially frame ideas to mobilize recruits. To address such a topic, this paper will (1) highlight the rise of racially and ethnically motivated violent extremism in the US, (2) outline its framing theoretical and methodological approach, and (3) apply framing theory to the cases of Ku Klux Klan, neo-Confederate, neo-Nazi, racist skinhead, and Christian Identity groups to comparatively analyze their unique activity within the activism realm. The project concludes that White nationalist groups supply divergent frames to radicalize recruits.