FAQ on the Far Right: Part 2

(Only interested in the full list of FAQ questions? Jump here.)

The UnPopulist published part two of the FAQ on the Far Right. (When Part 1 was released I wrote about the origin story of this FAQ, which you can find here.)

Part 2 provides a starting point for spotting and combatting far-right influence. This is especially important if you work or spend time in a space vulnerable to hijacking by the far right—organizations that care about free speech, freedom from government, and free markets—or if you comment on policy and politics today.

In a world where men close to the president of the United States are throwing Nazi salutes like it’s going out of style, spotting and understanding far-right influence can help make sense of the actions of organizations, governments, and individuals that have fallen under their sway. It can also help us avoid making things worse. Commenting on the far-right riots in the UK during summer 2024, Dorian Lynskey and Ian Dunt of the Origin Story podcast outlined how ignorance of the far right led to irresponsible reporting and confused narratives around the riots. Ignorance of the far right elevated far-right concerns, advanced far-right policy goals, mainstreamed far-right talking points, and added to a climate of fear, confusion, and unpredictability.

In fact, there was an explanation: a long search for an excuse for violence against refugees had found a target: weaponizing the murder of three little girls. What happened next was understandable. And, understanding it meant also understanding that the number of truly scary people was small and easily overwhelmed by counter-protests.

If we had to stay on top of every new dog whistle and talking point, spotting far-right influence would be hopeless. But there are patterns and shared ideas that, if you become familiar with them, can help you develop a sort of spidey sense that can act as a prompt to take a closer look. Part 2 of the FAQ aims to help you get started on that spidey sense.

You can also keep an eye on folks who watch these movements for a living. I follow this Bluesky feed and many folks from this starter pack of extremism researchers, but they might not be for you, or that might be too much. (This stuff can be a lot.) One good beat reporter can keep you pretty on top of things without overwhelming you with horrible stuff.

The full FAQ on the far right has sixteen questions, linked individually below and followed by links to each of the two parts. If you find it helpful, please share it widely.

Overview of the FAQ on the Far Right