pafalm's avatarOSINFO Analysis

Extremists have used the internet to build membership, advance their credibility and to mobilise for direct action. The last 3-5 years has seen a growth in populist movements across Europe. In contrast to previous years, these movements are characterised by

a) Greater co-ordination across national borders;

b) A focus on values and xenophobia rather than race;

c) Emphasis on local activism and street demonstrations in addition to traditional electoral politics.

This is of concern to policymakers at both a European and national level. This has become increasingly the case following the terrorist attacks in Oslo in 2011.

These groups, like the English Defence League (EDL) or the Greeks Golden Dawn, style themselves as pseudo-paramilitary organizations, and utilise the Internet and social network sites to organise demonstrations and recruit new members.

Rights groups have warned of an explosion in racist violence over the last year. They say the severity of the…

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