The Moral Economy of Extremism

ABSTRACT

The article examines right-wing extremism in the United States through the lens of “moral economy.” It argues that radicalization cannot be reduced to social pathologies or rational choice but must be understood as moral reactions of historically privileged groups confronted with challenges to social hierarchies. The analysis highlights the links between authoritarianism, violence, and democratic crisis.

KEYWORDS:
authoritarianism; political extremism; moral economy; United States