This book looks at how young people get attracted to the Far Right, especially young white men. We may never know why a young individual ends up there, yet two things are obvious. First, Far Right propaganda appeals to the fantasy imagination and to the emotions. Second, supporting the Far Right is a decision often made by digitally-networked 15-25 year olds looking for answers and wanting to express their anger. However, many later become aware of a yawning gulf between the ideal future they envisioned, and what happens in the here and now. Accounts of the Far Right often focus on terrorist events, plots or extreme acts of violence. However, the emphasis here is on rather ordinary young people and how they get involved in a social movement that promises adventure and belonging. The aim is to better understand how their hate practices are framed and channeled by the persuasive discourse of the Far Right.
"Understanding how far-right movements are managing to promulgate this exclusivist version of utopia is the central theme of this timely and accessible book. Nilan encourages the reader to move beyond individualist explanations of far-right youth radicalisation. ... She reminds us that there is a rich and enduring body of sociological work that can be bought to the topic of youth radicalisation to extremism. ... Nilan ... brings a much needed sociological perspective to youth studies of extreme political movements." (Debra Smith, Journal of Applied Youth Studies, Vol. 5 (3), 2022)