Salad Bar Ideology: Extremism in the “Age of Incoherence”

It used to be that extremists could be grouped into clear categories (e.g., far-right, far-left, Islamist jihadists). Today, the picture looks much messier. Increasingly, people at risk of violence are mixing ideas from multiple movements—or turning to conspiracy theories that don’t fit into any category at all.

Researchers Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens and Moustafa Ayad call this the “age of incoherence.” In their 2023 report, The Age of Incoherence? Understanding Mixed and Unclear Ideology Extremism, they show how extremists are borrowing across boundaries and creating strange hybrids that challenge the way we think about terrorism and radicalization.

When Extremism Blends Together

Some recent mass shooters have called themselves “eco-fascists”—combining racism with environmental concerns. On the surface, it seems like a clash of left and right ideas. But the researchers point out that fascist movements have long linked “racial purity” with “environmental purity,” so this isn’t entirely new.

Online spaces make the mixing even easier. White supremacists sometimes admire jihadist tactics, while young Islamists adopt far-right internet memes. Entire subcultures—like so-called “Neo-Nazi Salafis”—have emerged out of these crossovers.

Conspiracies as a Gateway to Violence

Then there are conspiracy theories. Movements like QAnon don’t offer a clear ideology, but they fuel anger and suspicion with stories of stolen elections, satanic cabals, and COVID-19 cover-ups. Since 2016, conspiracy-driven violence in the U.S. has included the Pizzagate shooting, threats against election workers, and even attacks on vaccine clinics.

Why It Matters

For parents, teachers, and community members, this means warning signs aren’t always obvious. A young person posting about the environment, dabbling in conspiracy theories, or sharing extremist memes might not look like a “typical” extremist. But these incoherent mixes can still fuel dangerous behavior.

As the authors put it, violent extremism today is “less about ideology and more about the violence itself” (Meleagrou-Hitchens & Ayad, 2023, p. 5).

The Takeaway

We’re living in an era where extremist beliefs no longer fit neatly into boxes. Understanding this blurred landscape helps families and communities stay alert. It also reminds us that prevention efforts need to address not just one ideology, but the broader mix of hate, fear, and conspiracy theories that can push people toward violence.

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Reference

Meleagrou-Hitchens, A., & Ayad, M. (2023). The Age of Incoherence? Understanding Mixed and Unclear Ideology Extremism. Program on Extremism, George Washington University & NCITE, University of Nebraska at Omaha. Read the full report here .