The Intelligence from The Economist Extreme measures: America’s far right
May 19, 2020
Andrew Knox investigates the surge of far-right extremism in the U.S. during the pandemic, detailing how anti-lockdown sentiments fueled these groups' recruitment and ideologies. He highlights the alarming increase in online activity and potential violent implications. Meanwhile, Mark Johnson discusses China's evolving approach to mental health, spotlighting recent government reforms while contrasting societal attitudes with long-standing stigmas. Together, they uncover a complex web of societal issues echoing across cultures.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Far-Right Protestors
- A small number of protestors at anti-lockdown rallies wear Hawaiian shirts and carry firearms.
- This signals their affiliation with the extreme right.
Far-Right Tactics
- Far-right groups use various tactics, including Zoom bombings and inciting violence against police and Jews.
- A man linked to neo-Nazi groups planned to bomb a Missouri hospital, highlighting the potential for real-world violence.
Pandemic and Far-Right Beliefs
- The pandemic aligns with certain far-right beliefs.
- White supremacists exploit the virus's origins, while "Boogaloo Boys" see it as a catalyst for civil war.
