The publication of Prof. Perliger-Arie Arie Perliger 鈥檚 latest book, 鈥淎merican Zealots,鈥 couldn鈥檛 feel more timely. Arriving Aug. 18 to a nation divided by politics, protest and pandemic, the book鈥, Q. What did your research for the book reveal? , A., In the book, I analyze the historical roots, characteristics, tactics, rhetoric and organization of the violent American far right. I also examine the current and future trajectory of the movements鈥, Q. With the country in a state of deep division, 鈥淎merican Zealots鈥 seems particularly timely. How can your research help us understand the consequences of political polarization?, A., In the book, I highlight how political polarization facilitates further violence. For example, I show that the composition of political institutions is associated with the level of violence and鈥, Q. For a long time, many Americans thought extremism was Hamas, Hezbollah and the Islamic State. We didn't hear as much about homegrown terrorist groups until recent years. Where were all of these鈥, A., The American far-right groups never disappeared, but were less active until 2008. But a combination of factors facilitates their reemergence, including an increase in political polarization, the鈥, Q. Is it true you maintain the largest database of right-wing extremist violent incidents in the U.S.? If so, do students help you maintain this database, and what research purpose does it serve?, A., Indeed. There is no other dataset that covers more than 5,000 attacks since 1990. It includes attacks against property and those without fatalities, which usually receive less attention. I'm鈥, Q. Your research focuses on far-right extremism. What about extremism at the other end of the spectrum?, A., I study different manifestations of terrorism. For example, I'm currently working with one of my doctoral students on research focusing on violent environmental groups in the U.S. In the past I also鈥, Q. How do you characterize newer groups like boogaloo and antifa, and what do they say about radicalism in 2020 America?, A., The "boogaloo" movement is comprised of individuals and small groups who are inspired by libertarian, white supremacist and anti-government sentiments. Its members promote various conspiracy鈥, Q. When and how did your interest in terrorism begin?, A., I actually became interested in terrorism and political violence shortly before 9/11. I was always curious about extremist ideologies and how people are being mobilized to adopt such views, which鈥
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