Extremist groups have not disappeared from the radar after the inauguration. The threats continue, and there is a critical need for responsible and contextualized coverage. For journalists tackling stories on extremism, it’s vital to understand the history and the context behind the fascist movements. Whether you have time to read an article or looking for a book on far-right politics, we encourage you to deepen your research for stronger and safer coverage. Here is the list of critical reads for covering extremism. 

Short

• Ur-Fascism by Umberto Eco – Eco’s seminal essay examines the hallmarks of all fascist movements and the forces which drive people to join them
• The War on Everyone by Robert Evans – Robert Evans’ Audiobook creates a comprehensive and engaging overview of fascist movements in America, from the early days of the KKK and George Lincoln Rockwell’s American Nazi Party, to the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah federal building
• I Don’t Speak German is a podcast created by Daniel Harper and Jack Graham that has episodes on most major fascist movements
• Charlottesville Was a Preview of the Future of the Republican Party – Alex Pareene on the future of the republican party and the far-right tendencies of its youth
• Study Hall’s Antifascist Media Guide – a useful basic guide to reporting on fascism from journalists and activists
• The Oxygen of Amplification: Better Practices for Reporting on Extremists, Antagonists, and Manipulators Online draws on in-depth interviews by scholar Whitney Phillips to showcase how news media was hijacked from 2016 to 2018 to amplify the messages of hate groups.

Long

• Bring the War Home by Kathleen Belew details the various paramilitary movements that took place in the 20th century, from The Order to militias
• Religion and the Racist Right by Michael Barkun is a book on the Christian identity movement, useful for understanding various forms of evangelical right-wing thought
• Alt-America by David Neiwert, a good overview of the far right in American politics with a deep dive into the infiltration of mainstream conservatism by fringe elements
• Blood and Politics by Leonard Zeskind, another book focusing on the electoral efforts of fascist movements

More Resources: 

• Read Extremism Roundup: Jan. 6 and Beyond
• For more support on the topic or to schedule a 1-1 call with our extremism expert, email info@electionsos.org