Reference

摘要

Balleck (political science & international studies, Georgia Southern Univ.) argues that extremism has flourished over the last 75 years in the United States and will continue to do so. The author argues that first, extremism has been a hallmark of the American social, economic, and political experience as far back as the country's founding, and second, both the right and left exhibit radical behavior. Finally, groups and individuals labeled as extremists or terrorists reject those categories and perceive themselves as being misunderstand, mischaracterized, and informed by religious or personal convictions. Using designations provided by the Southern Poverty Law Center, the Anti-Defamation League, and the FBI to classify such figures, the author examines individuals and groups in the post-World War II era. His enlightening, readable exploration of both well-known and obscure events, movements, organizations, and writings includes contemporary topics such as the Pulse Nightclub shooting and Dylann Roof's massacre in Charleston. This balanced work leaves users to draw their own conclusions as to whether the terms applied to his subjects are appropriate. VERDICT An excellent, perceptive primer on American extremism and domestic terrorism for general readers and serious researchers alike.