A Constellation Approach to Identifying Extremism in US Conservative Movements

January 25, 2024

In the latest Journal of Right-Wing Studies blog post, Kathleen Blee, Robert Futrell, and Pete Simi present an analysis of the ties between conservative movements and right-wing extremism in the contemporary United States. Their essay critiques traditional categorization methods for political movements, highlighting their inadequacy in capturing the dynamic and evolving nature of ideological affiliations. Using Moms for Liberty as a case study, the authors illustrate the gradual adoption of extreme ideologies by conservative-leaning groups. Their focus on shared practices, beliefs, and emotions between conservative and extremist groups offers a fresh perspective on the dynamics of right-wing politics in America. This analysis is crucial for understanding how extremism can shape mainstream political discourse.A Constellation Approach to Identifying Extremism in US Conservative Movements