When studying right-wing extremism, radicalization is usually the focus – often after it has culminated in an act of violence. This time, Expo chose to investigate how the groups try to recruit new activists.
We wanted to understand how the far right itself works, what factors enable the radicalization journey, says Expo CEO Daniel Poohl at a presentation of the report.
Through interviews with defectors, right-wing extremist material and open sources, a number of conclusions are drawn, including that the groups work systematically and with well-thought-out strategies. Recruitment does not occur randomly, according to Expo.
Jokes and irony
Expo identifies six steps in a so-called recruitment ladder.
In the first stage, it's about lowering the threshold for right-wing extremism, making it feel less scary and more normal.
This happens through jokes, irony and racist jargon on social media. Political legitimacy lowers the threshold for right-wing extremist ideas, says Daniel Poohl, citing the fact that the SD is now openly talking about a people exchange.
It is a constant work through propaganda, he says.
Social media is an important showcase for showcasing community, honorable missions and a personal appeal. Often ideology is left in the background during initial contacts. Many times it is young men who recruit other young men.
The groups are well aware of who can be recruited and they know which environments work, where people already share one's values.
“Plays a role”
The gaming world, where racist jargon and conflicts already exist, is an important recruiting environment, according to Expo. From there, potential members can be funneled into their own chats. Schools are an important arena for the groups.
The attraction often lies in the promise of "doing something in real life", a chance to not just fight online but take action for real, says Poohl.
Much energy is spent on retaining members, setting up internal rules and pointing out betrayal. Daniel Poohl likens recruitment to a cat and mouse game between right-wing extremist organizations and family, school and society – where the outside world usually wins.
The final conclusion is that society's efforts matter. The groups are very well aware of that, says Daniel Poohl.
Bjorn Berglund/TT
Facts: Recruitment ladder
TT
1. Lower the thresholds
2. Marketing
3. Capture
4. Socialization
5. Assign tasks
6. Retaining members
Source: Expo
