ATS3380 · Right-wing terrorism, extremism and fringe politics

Overview

You will examine international cases of neo-Nazis, white supremacists and white separatists, conspiracy communities, fringe subcultures and individual actors, and violent events to develop an understanding of contemporary right-wing extremism and terrorism. You will analyse the fringe political theories, religious orientations, identity politics, and socio-political conditions that drive right-wing extremist violence and political action. The unit invites you to address the following questions: What is right-wing extremism and terrorism? How is right-wing extremism different from other forms of right-wing and extremist politics? Why do some right-wing extremists choose to use violence while others do not? How may conspiracy theories and fringe religious beliefs foster, sustain, and attempt to legitimate right-wing extremism and terrorism? What are right-wing extremists’ attitudes towards the environment and climate change? How do right-wing extremism and terrorism threaten liberal democracy? How have different countries, communities and social movements responded to right-wing extremists?

Areas of study: Politics International Relations

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. identify and critically assess different forms of contemporary right-wing terrorist actions, radical and extremist political movements and thought;
2. identify and discuss relevant conceptual frameworks pertaining to terrorism, fringe political movements and political violence, and non-violent radicalism and extremism;
3. identify and discuss the importance: of personal searches for identity, meaning, inclusion, excitement and transcendence; the significance grievances, and social, psychological and other drivers on politicisation, radicalisation and disengagement processes;
4. assess the complex relationship between mainstream and fringe political and religious thought, practice and tendencies, and terrorism and political violence;
5. analyse and evaluate a range of primary and secondary sources (including audio-visual materials, scholarly literature and internet sources);
6. conduct research and communicate findings through a logical written argument.

Workload

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.