Populist-Nationalist Movements: Comparing Trends in India and the USA

• In Event: Globalizing Criminology: Culture, Context, and Cross-National Inquiry

Abstract

Through David C. Rapoport's Four Waves Theory, this research addresses whether populist-nationalist terrorism constitutes a distinct Fifth Wave or should be viewed as a development within the Fourth Wave. The analysis reveals different regional patterns of populist-nationalist terrorism through examples from the United States January 6 Capitol riots and India's 2020 Delhi riots. In the Global North, far-right movements oppose multiculturalism and liberal democratic institutions, whereas regions in the Global South experience ethno-religious nationalism, which draws upon postcolonial identities and historical grievances. Research shows that the rise of digital technology, combined with state support and local issues, demonstrates how modern terrorism has diverged from Fourth Wave movements, which operated on religious grounds across national boundaries. The research shows a critical need to develop new scholarly models to effectively manage modern terrorism, which shows increased digital and regional attributes alongside improved counterterrorism approaches.

Author

• Syed Mahfujul Haque Marjan, University of North Texas