American Extremists

Militias, Supremacists, Klansmen, Communists, & Others

By Laird Wilcox & John George

American Extremists by Laird Wilcox & John George

Extremist movements aren’t new, but the tragic events in Oklahoma City, New York City, and elsewhere have awakened Americans to this frightening reality within their borders. What sorts of fringe groups exist? Who joins up and why? What do they want and what are they willing to do to accomplish their goals? How serious is the danger?

In response to these questions, noted experts John George and Laird Wilcox have teamed up to examine the frayed edges of human behaviour Beginning with a summary of pre-1960 movements, they then discuss conspiracy theories and what motivates extremists. Their thoroughly documented and detailed tour of contemporary groups on the “far left" and the “far right” includes recent militia groups making headlines.

Included as well is an in-depth appendix on the use of fake quotes and fabricated documents a staple of many extremist organisations. John George (Edmond, OK) is professor of political science and sociology at the University of Central Oklahoma. Laird Wilcox (Olathe, KS) is founder of The Wilcox Collection of Contemporary Political Movements, the largest collection of extremist literature in the United States. 443 pp (Photo Insert, Appendices, Index)

Gordon Hall, Laird Wilcox & John George
Gordon Hall, Laird Wilcox & John George, “Symposium on Extremism” University of Missouri, Kansas City

Laird Wilcox & John George — ISBN 1-57392-058-4
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