The Influence of Domestic Far-Right Leadership Styles on Group Behaviors

• In Event: Human Assets in Terrorism and Counterterrorism

Abstract

The body of research examining the leadership characteristics of domestic far-right extremist group leaders is limited. Recently an increased focus on domestic far-right leadership research has begun to examine different types of leadership styles and how those styles impact group longevity. However, to this point, how leadership styles impact certain organizational behaviors has not been examined. This study examines how the leadership styles of 110 domestic far-right group leaders influences group behaviors regarding recruitment and information dissemination. A wide variety of different recruitment and dissemination strategies are examined to determine if group behaviors are influenced by whether or not a leader exhibits a charismatic, ideological or pragmatic leadership style.

Authors

• Michael Suttmoeller, Missouri State University

• Steven M. Chermak, Michigan State University

• Joshua D. Freilich, The Graduate Center, John Jay College / CUNY