Date of Graduation

12-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Political Science

Advisor/Mentor

Saeidi, Shirin

Committee Member/Reader

Phillips, Jared

Committee Member/Second Reader

Ryan, Jeffery

Committee Member/Third Reader

Reeber, Joy

Abstract

This study examines how the modern “alt-right” converged with mainstream Conservative politics following the election of Donald Trump. It explores how in the 21st Century, as in the past, right-wing social movements use language to prompt violence from their adherents. While far-right information networks have existed for decades, this study explores the ways in which modern networks allow for a greater convergence between disparate movements on the right, creating a more unified information web and understanding of reality. This convergence contributes to extremist ideas gaining larger and more mainstream platforms, granting them a global reach and significant influence in domestic politics. Right-wing information networks’ ability to construct reality for their members suggests that in-network individuals feel a sense of identity and citizenship to their ideological communities that goes beyond a simple adherence to a political platform. Ready belief in conspiracy theories, acceptance of political violence, and rejection of democratic norms all indicate a sense of in-group loyalty and a depth of radicalization endemic to the current American right.

Keywords

Ideologically motivated violent extremist (IMVE); Great Replacement; QAnon; Great Convergence; network segregation; collective consciousness

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