“Understanding the Digital Rise of REMVE: A Deep Dive into Racially and Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremism”

“Exploring the Intersection of Online Culture and the Evolving Landscape of REMVE”

By Todd M Price PhD candidate

Racially and Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremism (REMVE) has emerged as a new form of extremism, characterized by its proponents’ advocacy for ideologies based on racial or ethnic supremacy and hatred. This form of extremism is distinct in its loose organizational structure and its focus on violence perpetrated by non-state actors. REMVE actors, driven by ideologies such as White supremacy and nationalism, engage in or promote violence against specific population groups, often justified by their perception of their race or ethnicity being under threat (RAND, 2023).

The digital landscape plays a crucial role in the proliferation of REMVE. Online platforms offer accessibility to extremist content, creating spaces where individuals can easily encounter and engage with radical ideologies. These platforms act as echo chambers, reinforcing extremist views and facilitating rapid radicalization. The predominance of U.S.-based users in creating and fueling REMVE discourse online, especially on social media platforms like Twitter, Reddit, Gab, Ruqqus, Telegram, and Stormfront, is notable. The post-organizational nature of REMVE, characterized by decentralized networks of small cells and lone actors, poses significant challenges to traditional counter-terrorism strategies, necessitating multifaceted intervention strategies (RAND, 2023).

REMVE and the ‘salad bar’ approach to terrorism, though not explicitly linked in the sources, share similarities in their eclectic and adaptable nature. The ‘salad bar’ approach involves individuals or groups selecting ideologies and tactics from various sources to create a personalized blend of beliefs and objectives. This adaptability makes these groups unpredictable and dangerous.

In conclusion, understanding the dynamics of REMVE and the significant role of online culture in its propagation is crucial for developing effective countermeasures. The complex nature of REMVE, coupled with its digital spread and loosely organized structure, requires innovative and comprehensive strategies to effectively counter this evolving threat.

References

RAND Corporation. (2023). Mapping White Identity Terrorism and Racially or Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremism: A Social Network Analysis of Online Activity. Retrieved from https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR-A1841-1.html

RAND Corporation. (2023). A Dangerous Web: Mapping Racially and Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremism. Retrieved from https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB10115.html