Conclusion: Whose Homeland? Inoculating Against Hate
Summary
The conclusion discusses four takeaways that focus on the “new spaces and places of far-right extremism” (p163). First, this shift in focus encourages scholars and law-makers to think of far-right extremism as identifiable groups and organizations, but also as “flows of individuals” that move in and out of far-right scenes. Second, this focus on space and place helps illustrate the pathways of “normalization and mainstreaming of far-right extremist narratives” (p.164). Third, looking at how individuals have everyday experiences with extremist content opens up new avenues for intervention. Fourth, the focus on space and place prompts us to look at “the importance of territory and geography, and their intersections with identity, a sense of belonging, and the appeal of calls to defend” those homelands (p.166).
The next section discusses how to best reach youth that are at risk. This includes focusing on meeting youth where they are already, such as in their schools, fitness clubs, social-media sites, and gaming platforms. This also asks the question of who best can reach the youth where they are, and who is already in these places and might be effective intervention partners. The argument here is that there should be a “herd immunity” approach, taking a public health approach to hate that includes early and ongoing education and a focused effort to reduce youth vulnerabilities (p.167).
The chapter concludes with a discussion about possible policy solutions, as well as a call for increased improvement in national research capacity and expertise. Examples from other countries’ efforts to combat the rise of far-right extremism are included as potential approaches.
Comprehension Questions
1. The author argues that we can’t just focus on who becomes radicalized (and why) and the tactics/methods of far-right organizations, but that we also need to discuss the where and when of far-right extremism – what does this mean?
2. The author argues that many, if not most, far-right youth experience spiraling engagement in and out of far-right scenes over time – why is this important?
3. How does focusing on space and place open up discussions about the normalization and mainstreaming of far-right narratives?
4. How does focusing on ordinary and everyday encounters with far-right messaging raise new possibilities for intervention and prevention work?
5. How does focusing on place and space force us to look more closely at the emotional roots of ideas and ideals related to national homelands and raise questions about these narratives?
6. What is the “herd immunity” approach to prevention?
7. What does it mean when the author says that countering extremism is not just a law enforcement mandate?
Discussion Questions
1. What information is new to you?
2. One of the questions raised is who is most likely able to reach youth in the different places/spaces discussed in the book and what kind of training they might need – discuss these questions about who may be well suited to reach youth in different places and what kind of training you think they would need.
3. The conclusion states that “prevention of extremism and the protection of democracy go hand in hand” – discuss the different challenges that these two related concerns present.
4. The author uses a number of examples from German efforts to combat far-right extremism -discuss what options you think may be particularly effective in the U.S.?
5. Discuss the question raised in the first paragraph, “What would it take to ensure that everyone feels at home in the country where they live?” What is your perspective on this question?