Inspiration and Influence: Discussions of the U.S. Military in Extreme Right-Wing Telegram Channels

Authors: Jacob Davey, Dana Weinberg
Published: 13 October 2021

This briefing explores the complex relationship white supremacists have with the military. Drawing on analysis of white supremacist chats on the encrypted messaging application Telegram, it reveals that white supremacist groups actively draw inspiration from the military, both when planning potentially violent activity and in the ways they structure themselves. It demonstrates how white supremacists seek to emulate the military and see soldiers and veterans as potential recruits. However, it also shows that these organisations are overwhelmingly hostile to the military as an institution, framing the army in the broader context of anti-government and antisemetic ideology, providing insight into potential radicalisation strategies.