Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2018
Abstract
While substantial effort has been devoted to investigating the radicalization process and developing theories to explain why this occurs, surprisingly few studies offer explanations of the micro-situational factors that characterize how extremists accomplish violence. Relying on in-depth life history interviews with 89 former white supremacists, we analyzed the situational, emotional, and moral considerations surrounding white supremacist violence. Overall, we identified a variety of strategies white supremacists utilize for overcoming emotional and cognitive obstacles required to perform violent action. Furthermore, we also identified the callous effect of habitual violence. We conclude this article with suggestions for future research and recommendations for practitioners addressing terrorism prevention initiatives.
Recommended Citation
Windisch, S., Simi, P., Blee, K., & DeMichele, M. (2018). Understanding the micro-situational dynamics of white supremacist violence in the United States. Perspectives on Terrrorism, 12(6), 23-37.
Peer Reviewed
1
Copyright
Terrorism Research Initiative (TRI) and the Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA)
Included in
Community-Based Research Commons, Other Sociology Commons, Place and Environment Commons, Politics and Social Change Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons, Regional Sociology Commons, Social Control, Law, Crime, and Deviance Commons, Social Psychology and Interaction Commons, Sociology of Culture Commons
Comments
This article was originally published in Perspectives on Terrorism, volume 12, issue 6, in 2018.