For 20 years, ISD has delivered field-leading threat detection, analysis and real-world strategies to combat terrorism, extremism and authoritarianism - in all their ideological forms.

Home / Media mentions / The far right’s new emphasis on photogenic influencers

Media Mentions

May 14, 2026

The far right’s new emphasis on photogenic influencers

The far right is placing a stronger emphasis on physical appearance, increasingly relying on a network of social media influencers to spread their message. 

ISD’s Hannah Rose spoke to The Telegraph about the far right’s motivations behind placing photogenic women at the forefront of their movement. 

“Across society more broadly, the more glamorous you are, the more desirable you seem, the more likes you tend to get, and the more of a following you tend to build,” Hannah said. “It likely also has some ideological backing in the movement more broadly, which sees the role of women as something which should be aesthetically pleasing.” 

Hannah explained that the far right’s leveraging of female influencers may also be motivated by filling a gap in the market, as the movement can gain money through sponsored posts. 

The full article is available on The Telegraph. 

Featured publication

Amelia, the AI-generated character co-opted and monetised online

After Southport: Policy responses to far-right extremism

A first look at Irish far-right activity on Telegram

ISD Contributors

Hannah Rose
Senior Research & Policy Manager, Extremism