Date of Award
Spring 5-22-2021
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Advisor(s)
José Alemán, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
Caley Johnson, Ph.D.
Abstract
In this thesis, I will examine the contemporary issue of white extremism in the context of increasing globalization and populism. The Western world has witnessed an increase in terrorism by white extremists in the last decade. The object of this thesis is to identify the factors which prompted the present increase and different character of white extremist groups in comparison to prior white extremist movements like the racist skinheads in the 1980s and 1990s. To answer this question, I evaluate historical racism, impacts of globalization, the rise of right-leaning populism, racist skinhead subcultures of the 1980s and 1990s, and contemporary white extremist movements in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. These factors demonstrate how the combination of historical racism, lack of support for industries affected by immigration, impending cultural backlash, and rhetoric of populist campaigns has resulted in a completely new wave of white extremists. Contemporary white extremists are different from previous white supremacist groups like racist skinheads in messaging and operation as a result of feeling legitimized by populist leaders and increased technological access due to globalization.
Recommended Citation
Gassiot, Catherine, "Exploring White Extremism as a Function of Historical Legacy, Globalization, and Populism in the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia" (2021). Senior Theses. 72.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/international_senior/72
