SpyTalk
Rage on the Right
Aug 18, 2022
Heidi Beirich, an expert on online and real-life fallout from the Mar-a-Lago search, analyzes the similarities between domestic right-wing extremists and terrorist groups. The podcast explores the rise of extremist rhetoric and threats of violence from the far right, the parallel between right-wing extremists and ISIS in recruitment and goals, the reluctance of tech companies to combat violent incitement on their platforms, the role of government in controlling internet terrorist groups, and discusses the significance of the American assassination of al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri.
49:37
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Quick takeaways
- The vitriolic online rage following the FBI search of Mar-a-Lago highlights the deep-seated anger towards federal law enforcement and the influence of conspiracy theories.
- The surge in radicalization and violent rhetoric among far-right extremists can be attributed to collective hysteria, intensified conspiracy theories, and the normalization of violence and extremism in society.
Deep dives
Threats and Violence from Far-Right Extremists
The recent FBI search of President Trump's Mar-a-Lago home unleashed a wave of vitriolic online rage, including threats against law enforcement and an attempted attack on an FBI office in Cleveland. Heidi Byrich, from the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, noted that the anger and violence exhibited online after the search was different from previous instances. The language used was extremely violent, with calls to kill agents and even bomb agents. This surge in vitriol is fueled by deep-seated anger towards federal law enforcement and conspiracy theories about a 'deep state' plot to destroy the former president.
