Fascists Among Us (online hate and the Christchurch massacre)

Traces the global spread of white nationalist and far-right terrorism, from the US to New Zealand to Norway.

The massacre of more than fifty worshippers at mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, shocked the world. The alleged perpetrator expressed a particular ideology described as “fascism,” but what does fascism mean today—and what kind of threat does it pose? Jeff Sparrow traces the history of the far right around the world, showing how fascists have adapted to the new politics of the twenty-first century. He argues that the mosque killer represents a frightening new phenomenon—decentralized right-wing terrorism that recruits by committing atrocities, feeding on itself and spreading from country to country.

Burgeoning in dark places online, contemporary fascism exults in violence and picks its targets strategically. Even the widespread despair generated by climate change is being harvested to weaponize young men with the politics of hate. With imitative massacres proliferating, this book makes a compelling, urgent case for a new response to an old menace.