ISD Glossary
ISD’s Glossary provides clear definitions of key terms related to extremism, hate, information operations and tech accountability. This page is continually reviewed to ensure accuracy.
Encryption
Encryption refers to the process of encoding information so that it is rendered incomprehensible to everyone except specified receivers.
Esoteric Nazism/Hitlerism
Esoteric Nazism is a brand of neo-Nazism that promotes a belief system rooted in mythology and in which followers believe that white people once inhabited an ancient Aryan civilisation in a place known as Hyperborea or Thule. This incorporates mystical and occult-related interpretations of Nazi ideology, deifying Hitler and using symbols that first appeared centuries ago but were later popularised in the Nazi era. These include the well-known swastika but also the Sonnenrad (black sun), a lesser-known symbol that is “functionally equivalent” to the infamous Nazi symbol and used widely among white supremacists today, including by the Christchurch shooter
Esotericism
There is no general definition of the term “esotericism”. It is often used in a judgemental or derogatory way, however, and typically covers a spectrum of “occult doctrines”, the exact details of which are beyond the comprehension of large swathes of the population. Many of the varieties of esotericism – which are often ideologically shaped – centre around mysticism, spiritual growth and “higher knowledge” about the world.
Ethnographic Research
Ethnographic research methods involve deep and sustained involvement with a community. Instead of relying on data-collection technologies, researchers may take a more human approach by joining, participating in and observing online spaces as forms of community.
Ethnonationalism
We define ethnonationalism as a form of nationalism where the nation is defined in terms of ethnicity. Central to ethnonationalism is the belief that nations are tied together by a shared heritage and culture that is based on ethnicity. Ethnonationalists are often marked by the implicit promotion of racism and exclusionary attitudes and rarely promote overt supremacism.
Extremism
Extremism is the advocacy of a system of belief that claims the superiority and dominance of one identity-based ‘in-group’ over all ‘out-groups.’ It propagates a dehumanising ‘othering’ mind-set that is antithetical to pluralism and the universal application of Human Rights.
