Alt-Right

Definition

The alt-right, or alternative right, is a loosely connected group of individuals and organizations that promote white nationalism, anti-immigration policies, and far-right populism. This term has emerged in the context of contemporary ideologies further to the political right, as well as ideologies that reject traditional political ideology.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The alt-right movement emerged in the 2010s as a reaction against mainstream conservatism, with a focus on white identity and opposition to multiculturalism.
2. Alt-right groups often use online platforms and social media to spread their message, leveraging the anonymity and reach of the internet to gain traction.
3. Many alt-right adherents reject traditional left-right political ideologies, instead embracing a more identity-based, anti-establishment approach.
4. The alt-right's rejection of political ideology aligns with the concept of 'Burkeanism,' which emphasizes tradition, hierarchy, and organic social order over abstract political theories.
5. The alt-right's emphasis on white nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiment also connects to the rejection of political ideology seen in religious extremism, which often promotes exclusionary and intolerant views.

Review Questions

• Explain how the alt-right movement relates to contemporary ideologies further to the political right.
  • The alt-right movement is considered a contemporary ideology further to the political right, as it promotes white nationalism, anti-immigration policies, and far-right populism. These views are in contrast to mainstream conservatism and represent a more extreme, identity-based approach to politics that rejects traditional left-right ideological frameworks.
• Describe the connection between the alt-right's rejection of political ideology and the concept of Burkeanism.
  • The alt-right's rejection of traditional political ideologies aligns with the Burkean philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of tradition, hierarchy, and organic social order over abstract political theories. Both the alt-right and Burkeanism share a skepticism towards ideological constructs, instead favoring a more traditionalist and identity-based approach to political and social issues.
• Analyze how the alt-right's focus on white nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiment relates to the rejection of political ideology seen in religious extremism.
  • The alt-right's emphasis on white nationalism and opposition to multiculturalism and immigration shares similarities with the rejection of political ideology found in religious extremism. Both ideologies promote exclusionary and intolerant views that prioritize the interests of a specific group (white nationalists or religious fundamentalists) over the wider society. This rejection of traditional political frameworks in favor of identity-based, often extremist, positions is a key connection between the alt-right and the ideologies that reject political ideology, such as religious extremism.

Related terms

White Nationalism: An ideology that promotes the interests of white people as a race, often through anti-immigrant and anti-diversity policies.

Far-Right Populism: A political approach that appeals to the interests and concerns of ordinary people, often in opposition to an established elite or political establishment, and promotes nationalist or nativist policies.

Identity Politics:

A political approach and analysis based on people prioritizing the concerns of their own particular racial, religious, ethnic, sexual, social, or cultural group, above those of the wider society.