1st Edition

Cumulative Extremism A Comparative Historical Analysis

By Alexander J. Carter Copyright 2020
232 Pages 5 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

232 Pages 5 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

232 Pages 5 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

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... Read more

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