Abstract
The persistence is not simply the consequence of an Australian-centric white nationalism, but is the result of
international and domestic exchanges. This article investigates the persistence and appeal of Australian RWE
groups. The first movements emerged in the 1930s against Bolshevik Communism, and quickly established ties
with fellow travellers elsewhere in the Western world. While their influence diminished, their sentiment persisted
in subcultural networks which also demonstrated international ties. RWE resurged in the 1980s, seeking to stymie
pluralism and immigration. Some extremists travelled overseas, and formed connections with international
counterparts. Their activities were suppressed by law enforcement, but the sentiment continues to survive in
subcultural networks. RWE resurfaced in the decade prior to the 2019 Christchurch attack, largely targeting ethnic
Australians and members of the Muslim community. Currently, the RWE threat in Australia is inherently tied to
extremist attitudes regarding jihadism, Muslims, and immigration.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 1 |
| Pages (from-to) | 2-20 |
| Number of pages | 20 |
| Journal | Perspectives on Terrorism |
| Volume | 13 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 30 Apr 2019 |
Fingerprint
Cite this
}
A "Lunatic Fringe"? The Persistence of Right Wing Extremism in Australia. / Campion, Kristy.
In: Perspectives on Terrorism, Vol. 13, No. 2, 1, 30.04.2019, p. 2-20.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
TY - JOUR
T1 - A "Lunatic Fringe"?
T2 - The Persistence of Right Wing Extremism in Australia
AU - Campion, Kristy
PY - 2019/4/30
Y1 - 2019/4/30
N2 - Right Wing Extremism (RWE) in Australia is historically persistent and contemporarily well-established.The persistence is not simply the consequence of an Australian-centric white nationalism, but is the result ofinternational and domestic exchanges. This article investigates the persistence and appeal of Australian RWEgroups. The first movements emerged in the 1930s against Bolshevik Communism, and quickly established tieswith fellow travellers elsewhere in the Western world. While their influence diminished, their sentiment persistedin subcultural networks which also demonstrated international ties. RWE resurged in the 1980s, seeking to stymiepluralism and immigration. Some extremists travelled overseas, and formed connections with internationalcounterparts. Their activities were suppressed by law enforcement, but the sentiment continues to survive insubcultural networks. RWE resurfaced in the decade prior to the 2019 Christchurch attack, largely targeting ethnicAustralians and members of the Muslim community. Currently, the RWE threat in Australia is inherently tied toextremist attitudes regarding jihadism, Muslims, and immigration.
AB - Right Wing Extremism (RWE) in Australia is historically persistent and contemporarily well-established.The persistence is not simply the consequence of an Australian-centric white nationalism, but is the result ofinternational and domestic exchanges. This article investigates the persistence and appeal of Australian RWEgroups. The first movements emerged in the 1930s against Bolshevik Communism, and quickly established tieswith fellow travellers elsewhere in the Western world. While their influence diminished, their sentiment persistedin subcultural networks which also demonstrated international ties. RWE resurged in the 1980s, seeking to stymiepluralism and immigration. Some extremists travelled overseas, and formed connections with internationalcounterparts. Their activities were suppressed by law enforcement, but the sentiment continues to survive insubcultural networks. RWE resurfaced in the decade prior to the 2019 Christchurch attack, largely targeting ethnicAustralians and members of the Muslim community. Currently, the RWE threat in Australia is inherently tied toextremist attitudes regarding jihadism, Muslims, and immigration.
M3 - Article
VL - 13
SP - 2
EP - 20
JO - Perspectives on Terrorism
JF - Perspectives on Terrorism
SN - 2334-3745
IS - 2
M1 - 1
ER -