This chapter explores the connection between radical subcultures and the mainstream, highlighting how extremist ideas have become more visible and accepted. It discusses the process of communication campaigns, mobilization, and the role of anti-liberal, misogynist, anti-LGBTQ, and anti-immigration ideologies in fueling the rise of extremism. The chapter also delves into the impact of extremist movements on democratic institutions and offers individual solutions to counter radicalization.
Accelerated by a pandemic, global conflict and rapid technological change, extremist ideas are becoming more widespread: QAnon proponents run for U.S. Congress, neo-fascists win elections in Europe and hyper-partisan commentators spread dangerous myths to millions online. Julia Ebner is a researcher specialising in far-right extremism, reciprocal radicalisation, conspiracy myths and terrorism prevention. Her new book is Going Mainstream: How Extremists Are Taking Over. She joins our host Carl Miller, Research Director of the Centre for the Analysis of Social Media at the think tank Demos, to talk about it.
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