1st Edition
Cumulative Extremism A Comparative Historical Analysis
This book frames several historical incidents of violent movement-countermovement conflicts within the concept of ‘cumulative extremism’— the mutually reinforcing dynamic of radicalisation that can develop between two or more antagonistic groups.
Drawing on several in-depth case studies, including the contests between British fascist and anti-fascist groups in the interwar period and from 1967 to 1979 and 1980 to 2000; the Troubles in Northern Ireland from the late 1960s to mid-1970s; and Islamist extremists and the far-right counter-jihad movement in Britain since 2009, this book presents the first in-depth academic analysis of the concept of ‘cumulative extremism’ and constructs a theoretical framework through which to assess its development.
This is a groundbreaking volume which will be of particular relevance to scholars with an interest in the extreme right, social movements, political violence and criminology. It will also be of interest to policy makers and to practitioners dealing with extremism and radicalisation, including youth workers, prevent coordinators, community support officers and police officers.
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. Fascists and Anti-Fascists, 1920 – 1940
Chapter 3. Fascists and Anti-Fascists in the 1970s
Chapter 4. Fascists and Anti-Fascists in the 1980s and 1990s
Chapter 5. Northern Ireland from 1960 to 1976
Chapter 6. Islamists and the Counter-Jihad in Britain, 2009 – 2018
Chapter 7. Conclusion
Biography
Alexander J. Carter completed his PhD at Teesside University’s Centre of Fascism, Anti-Fascism and Post-Fascism Studies. He has published research on radicalisation, terrorism and extremism.
"The threat of spirals of political violence between antagonistic groups has aroused growing concern in recent years. But discussions of ‘cumulative extremism’ in liberal democracies have so far lacked empirical and theoretical depth. Analysing a range of British case studies, this book admirably helps to fill this gap." — Roger Eatwell, University of Bath, UK
"This book could hardly be more timely. Combining precise empirical case studies with deft theoretical observations, Carter's analysis comprises a major step forward in the scholarship on 'cumulative extremism' and 'reciprocal radicalisation." — Joel Busher, Coventry University, UK
"At a time of increasing political polarisation in many Western societies, this book offers a valuable, historically-contextualised and carefully-argued critical analysis of what ‘cumulative extremism’ is and under what conditions it can develop. This book will be helpful to both researchers and to policy-makers and practitioners aiming to prevent extremism." — Paul Thomas, University of Huddersfield, UK
