Loud, Proud, and Extreme: Understanding the Group Processes of Far-Right Groups

Dear colleagues,

Perceived threats remain a principal driver sustaining far-right groups. Dynamics internal to far-right groups and external dynamics between far-right groups and/or rival groups (e.g., Antifa) remains understudied. Much of the conventional literature on the far-right remains focused on either the individual (micro-level) or on ideology (macro-level), ignoring the social processes of the group (meso-level). Additionally, the ubiquity of digital technology, particularly social media platforms, has greatly influenced how far-right groups operate today. Online violence, whether threats, taunts, or posting of violent acts that took place, is much less understood. This knowledge gap includes the link between the online activities of far-right groups and how it can manifest into real-world action. This issue will examine the diverse nature of far-right groups, which include anti-government “militias” (e.g., Oath Keepers), accelerationists (e.g., Boogaloo Bois), neo-Nazi terror groups (e.g., Atomwaffen Division, The Base), alt-right gangs (e.g., Proud Boys), and sovereign citizen collectives, with the goal of better understanding the growing complexities of far-right to better inform public policy solutions. Given the dynamic nature of far-right groups today, this Special Issue encourages empirical research (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods) with multi-/interdisciplinary perspectives from around the world that highlights cutting-edge approaches to examining far-right groups. Papers may be theoretical and/or empirical in nature. All submissions will be considered; however, primary consideration will be given to manuscripts that:

• Investigate the relationship between online activity and real-world violence;
• Examine the efficacy of deradicalization/desistance programs;
• Engage in cross comparisons of far-right groups by either location or type;
• Take innovative approaches to advancing our understanding of far-right violence.

Dr. Matthew Valasik
Dr. Shannon E. Reid
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Social Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.