GNET & ICSR Event: 'The Women of the Far Right' Book Launch (16 November)
The International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) and the Global Network on Extremism and Technology (GNET) invite you to attend a book launch for The Women of the Far Right: Social Media Influencers and Online Radicalization, by Eviane Leidig.
On mainstream social media platforms, far-right women make extremism relatable. They share Instagram stories about organic foods that help pregnant women propagate the “pure” white race and post behind-the-scenes selfies at antivaccination rallies. These social media personalities model a feminine lifestyle, at once promoting their personal brands and radicalizing their followers. Amid discussions of issues like dating, marriage, and family life, they call on women to become housewives to counteract the corrosive effects of feminism and champion the Great Replacement conspiracy theory, which motivated massacres in Christchurch, El Paso, and Buffalo.
Eviane Leidig offers an in-depth look into the world of far-right women influencers, exploring the digital lives they cultivate as they seek new recruits for white nationalism. Going beyond stereotypes of the typical male white supremacist, she uncovers how young, attractive women are playing key roles as propagandists, organizers, fundraisers, and entrepreneurs. Leidig argues that far-right women are marketing themselves as authentic and accessible in order to reach new followers and spread a hateful ideology. This insidious—and highly gendered—strategy takes advantage of the structure of social media platforms, where far-right women influencers’ content is shared with and promoted to mainstream audiences. Providingmuch-needed expertise on gender and the far right, this timely and accessible book also details online and offline approaches to countering extremism.
If you would like to RSVP for this in-person event, please register here.
The event will be followed by a drinks reception.
Copies of the book will be available to purchase on the day, courtesy of Columbia University Press.
You will receive an email with further details once your place is confirmed. For any questions, please contact [email protected].