Accelerationism is an extremist ideology that argues society should deliberately intensify its crises and conflicts to bring about a desired collapse or radical transformation. Its adherents often glorify chaos, violence, and social breakdown as a means to usher in a new order. This framework is especially appealing to those who see democratic reform as futile. In recent years, accelerationism has gained traction among both far-right and anarchist-inspired extremist circles.

Christian nationalism is the belief that the country the person resides in should be a Christian nation and focuses on the promotion of Christian views to all no matter the cost. This ideology distorts the teachings of Christianity to evoke fear, creates a call to action, and encourages followers to militarize. Much like other ideologies, members feel the end is near and they must be the one to protect their nation. They utilize an us-vs-them mentality, appeal to those looking for a scapegoat, and prey on fear to push the ideology.

Extreme leftist ideology, particularly around violent revolution and direct action, embraces the idea that only radical upheaval can achieve justice and equality. While mainstream leftist politics focus on reform, extremist strands advocate violence against institutions, property, or even individuals associated with capitalism and state power. Groups embracing this ideology often justify their actions as necessary resistance to oppression. History shows how such movements can destabilize societies while claiming to liberate them.

Islamism and jihadism represent political and violent appropriations of Islam that aim to establish a religiously governed order. Importantly, terrorism is to jihad what war crimes are to rules of engagement: a distortion of legitimate struggle into illegitimate violence. Jihadist groups exploit grievances, conflicts, and religious language to justify atrocities. Their ideology thrives on global networks, drawing recruits into cycles of violence that betray Islamic principles.

Neo-Nazism revives the hateful doctrines of Hitler’s Germany, glorifying fascism, antisemitism, and racial purity. Its adherents often engage in paramilitary training, violent propaganda, and attempts to infiltrate institutions. Online networks spread Nazi symbols and rhetoric globally, inspiring lone-actor terrorism. Despite its historical defeat, neo-Nazism persists as a dangerous ideology rebranded for the modern era.

Travelers to foreign wars are individuals drawn to fight in conflicts abroad, often under the influence of ideological, religious, or nationalist appeals. Their journeys can radicalize them further, exposing them to militant networks and battlefield training. Upon return, they may bring back both skills and extremist worldviews that endanger domestic security. These cases highlight the global dimension of extremist movements and the risks of transnational mobilization.

Anti-LGBTQ+ ideology is rooted in prejudice and hostility toward individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. It often manifests in campaigns against equal rights, harmful rhetoric, and targeted violence. Such hostility can also be tied to broader extremist movements that view LGBTQ+ rights as a threat to “traditional” social order. This hatred can fuel radicalization and contribute to cycles of discrimination and harm.

Conspiracy theories thrive on the belief that hidden, malevolent forces manipulate events behind the scenes. They can erode trust in institutions, radicalize individuals, and serve as gateways into extremist movements. Online spaces have amplified these narratives, creating self-reinforcing communities that resist outside evidence. When tied to political or ideological grievances, conspiracy theories can justify violence against perceived “puppet masters.”

Far-right extremism is characterized by ultra-nationalism, xenophobia, and authoritarian impulses. It often glorifies a mythic past while scapegoating minorities, immigrants, or political opponents. Many far-right movements are interconnected globally, sharing symbols, rhetoric, and tactics. The ideology poses persistent threats through its ability to inspire lone actors and organized groups alike.

Islamophobia is the irrational fear or hatred of Muslims, which often manifests in discrimination, harassment, and violence. It frames Muslims as inherently foreign or dangerous, feeding into broader nationalist and xenophobic agendas. Islamophobia not only harms individuals but also fuels cycles of extremism, as marginalized groups may become more vulnerable to radicalization. Challenging this prejudice is essential for building inclusive, resilient societies.

Nihilism, when weaponized, denies the value of life, morality, or purpose. In extremist contexts, it often mutates into self-destructive behaviors, including self-abuse, as well as externalized violence. This worldview can provide a psychological justification for senseless attacks or suicide missions. For vulnerable individuals, nihilism can be a gateway into violent radicalization when despair is transformed into destructive resolve.

The True Crime Community (TCC) is an online subculture that follows the ideas, writings, and manifestos of mass attackers. The group glorifies the perpetrator, justifies the incident, and sympathizes with the motivation behind it. Many of the members have gone on to research previous attacks and attackers in an effort to emulate them and recreate their own. Many themes of other ideologies are prevalent in this community but the unifying and differentiating part of the TCC is the admiration for mass shooters.

Antisemitism is a long-standing form of hatred directed at Jewish people, often framed through conspiracies, stereotypes, and scapegoating. It has historically fueled violence, from programs to the Holocaust, and continues to inspire extremist rhetoric and attacks today. Modern antisemitism frequently merges with other ideologies, including white supremacy and anti-globalist conspiracy theories. Its persistence underscores the need for vigilance against age-old prejudices repackaged in contemporary forms.

Eco-terrorism refers to violent acts carried out in the name of defending the environment. While many activists advocate non-violent environmental protection, eco-terrorists take a militant approach, targeting infrastructure, corporations, or governments they deem harmful to the planet. Their actions often stem from a sense of urgency about climate change and ecological collapse. This form of extremism illustrates how even well-intentioned causes can be radicalized toward violence.

The “involuntary celibate” (incel) subculture is defined by resentment, misogyny, and grievance. Online forums amplify narratives of entitlement to sex and hatred toward women, often framed through violent fantasies. Some adherents have escalated from toxic rhetoric to real-world attacks, viewing violence as a way to “punish” society for their perceived exclusion. Incels exemplify how isolation and grievance can metastasize into extremist violence.

Misogyny underpins many extremist ideologies, manifesting as hatred, devaluation, or control of women. It is not confined to incel subcultures but runs through far-right, religious, and even extremist leftist narratives. Women are often targeted as symbols of cultural change or scapegoated for societal grievances. Misogyny is both a driver of radicalization and a common thread linking otherwise disparate movements.

Racism fuels extremist violence by promoting hierarchies of human worth based on skin color or ethnicity. It dehumanizes entire populations, justifying exclusion, segregation, and even genocide. Extremist groups often exploit racial grievances to recruit followers and frame their movements as defensive struggles. Racism remains one of the most enduring and adaptable drivers of hate.