Dear colleagues,
In recent years, there has been a clear increase in the dissemination of exclusionary discourses in the public sphere worldwide, articulated in part by prominent figures on the right and far-right wings of international politics. Given the appetite for these ideas, evident from the widespread rise of conservative and populist values in society and the numerous voters opting for far-right political parties in Europe and beyond, many politicians and activists have adopted an openly hostile stance against minorities, challenging minority rights and championing restrictive social policies. Established news media outlets have a complex relationship with far-right and radical actors, often contributing to the mainstreaming of said actors and their beliefs, despite ostensiblyadopting critical stances against them. In tandem, far-right actors have attacked the credibility of these mainstream media outlets and networks, gravitating increasingly towards alternative ‘news outlets’, such as websites, blogs, forums and social media platforms. At the same time, for over two decades, far-right actors and groups have utilised online communication structures to build their networks, gain visibility, recruit members and spread mis/disinformation through channels that are almost impossible to trace, audit or moderate.
As part of this issue, we invite submissions from established and early career scholars and practitioners that have the potential to contribute new critical perspectives to this salient discussion. While maintaining a necessarily broad remit, some indicative topics for investigation might include: Far-right in the/and the media, The rise and evolution of the far-right globally, Alt-Right and white supremacy online/offline, Social media and the far-right, Far-right and the instrumentalisation of post-truth, disinformation and conspiracy theories. Far from exhaustive, submissions may engage with any aspect of the theme of the Special Issue, and be from any discipline and geographical location.
Ms. Christina Verousi
Dr. Nerina Boursinou
Mr. Paul Atkins
Guest Editors
Far-right, Alt-right, Mainstream media, social media, media outlets
Christina Verousi is a Doctoral Candidate and a Research Associate to the School of Criminology at the University of Leicester. Her research interests include gendered Islamophobia, religiously motivated hate, hate crimes and the Far-right, and her current work revolves around understanding the nature, extent and manifestations of Islamophobia in her home country, Greece.
Dr. Maria-Nerina Boursinou is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of St. Andrews. She holds a PhD from the School of Media, Communication and Sociology (University of Leicester). Her research interests include migration, information and communication technologies, gender, urban studies, the Far-right, research ethics and participatory methodologies.
Paul Atkins is a Senior Lecturer in Media Production at the University of the West of England and Programme Leader for the BA Media Production course. He is also a PhD researcher in the School of Media, Communication and Sociology at the University of Leicester. His research interests include creative industries development, political economy of the media, cultural policy and regulation, communications theory, radio and podcasting.