In this article, the authors test ideological convergence within the American violent far right.
Based on computer-assisted analysis of ideological discourse samples, researchers in this study conclude that while there may be an initial overlap between far-right groups, it is too early to assume hybridization across the far-right. In September 2020, FBI Director Christopher Wray described far-right extremist motivations as “a mishmash” or “salad bar” of ideologies. Academics and practitioners have further promoted such ideas using case studies of inter-organizational collaboration. The current study tests the “Salad Bar” and Hybridization hypotheses by analyzing the online discourse of far-right extremist groups to identify similarities and differences in their designation of “adversaries,” topics of political discourse, support for violence, membership characteristics, and psychological dimensions. (Published Abstract Provided)