The Relationship between Far-Right Extremist Leadership Structures and Styles and Group Participation in Violence

• In Event: Socio-Political Change and Far-Right Extremist Violence in North America

Abstract

The far-right movement has existed in the United States for many years. Through the course of history, the number of groups, group members and levels of activity has varied. Recently, there appears to be a rise in far-right activity in the United States. While several factors are most likely influencing group activity levels, one that cannot be ignored is the role that leadership may play in violent far-right activity. How leadership is organized and particular leadership styles are important to not only the far-right, but also to organizations in general, since the overall goal of leadership is group survival, leaders are influential in group decision making. To this point, the role of far-right leadership styles and structures has not been examined to determine whether differences in leadership influences whether or not groups participate in violent activities. This study examines how these styles and structures influence group participation in violence and may provide insights that allow policy makers and practitioners to more readily identify groups that are at risk for violent activities.

Author

• Michael J. Suttmoeller, Missouri State University