Communication field academic research on fascism/white nationalism

Adair, Cassius. 2025. “Kamala Is for They/Them: Liberalism, Fascism, and Nonsense.” Communication, Culture and Critique 18 (2): 134–37. https://doi.org/10.1093/ccc/tcaf013.

• AI Summary: Cassius Adair critiques the Trump campaign’s slogan “Kamala is for They/Them, Trump is for You” as a deliberately incoherent provocation that conflates non-binary identity with political opposition, aiming to confuse rather than inform. He argues that this reflects a “fascist mode of address,” which functions affectively by generating fear, disorientation, and protective loyalty rather than relying on coherent ideological content. The slogan’s power, Adair suggests, comes from its capacity to destabilize meaning and mobilize emotion in service of authoritarian politics. In response, he calls for trans cultural practices that resist this affective manipulation by producing counter-aesthetics grounded in clarity, collectivity, and alternative forms of emotional resonance.

 

Amaya, Hector. “White Nationalism and Publicness in the United States.” Javnost – The Public 25, no. 4 (2018).

• AI Summary: This article examines how white nationalism actively engages with and attempts to shape the public sphere in the United States. It analyzes the rhetorical strategies and methods white nationalist movements employ to normalize their ideologies and influence public discourse, highlighting their efforts to gain legitimacy and challenge democratic norms.

 

Aoki, Eric, and Kyle M. Jonas. “Collective Memory and Sacred Space in Post-Genocide Rwanda: Reconciliation and Rehumanization Processes in Mureithi’s ICYIZERE.” Journal of International and Intercultural Communication 9, no. 3 (2016): 240-258. https://doi.org/10.1080/17513057.2016.1195007

• AI Summary: “In this article, Aoki and Jonas analyze Patrick Mureithi’s 2009 documentary, ICYIZERE: Hope, which captures a reconciliation workshop conducted by Healing and Rebuilding Our Communities (HROC) in post-genocide Rwanda. The authors argue that the workshop depicted in the film creates a “sacred/secular space” where participants engage in a transformative process of rehumanization. This space is produced through negotiations of dialectical tensions between past and present, as well as individual and collective memory. The documentary showcases how participants reinterpret the “Other” through empathetic human interaction and identity-widening processes, facilitating a collective healing journey. The authors employ identity-widening theory to analyze how these interactions help expand participants’ identities to include broader, more inclusive understandings, moving beyond the divisive “us versus them” mentality.”

 

Argentino, Marc-Andre and Kurt Braddock. “Expressed Sentiment in Online Channels: Communication and Emotion in the Buffalo and Bratislava Attacks,” in The Sociology of Violent Extremism, edited by S. Lakhani and A. Amarasingham. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 2025. 

• AI Summary: “Argentino and Braddock’s chapter, “Expressed Sentiment in Online Channels: Communication and Emotion in the Buffalo and Bratislava Attacks,” explores how emotions and communication patterns expressed online contribute to the radicalization of perpetrators involved in two far-right attacks—the Buffalo shooting in the U.S. and the Bratislava attack in Slovakia. The authors analyze how feelings like anger, fear, and resentment are shared and amplified through social media and other online platforms, helping to build extremist communities and inspire copycat violence. They also discuss how these digital expressions of sentiment reveal the psychological processes behind radicalization and highlight the transnational spread of far-right ideologies. The chapter aims to deepen understanding of online radicalization and inform efforts to counter violent extremism by identifying emotional cues and communication trends that precede attacks.”

 

Aronis, Carolin, and Eric Aoki. “Nooses and Nazi Swastikas on U.S. Campuses: An Anti-Racist Call for a Rhetorical Reframing of Hate Symbols as Violent Technologies.” Quarterly Journal of Speech. https://doi.org/10.1080/00335630.2024.2377195

• AI Summary: “In their 2024 article, “Nooses and Nazi Swastikas on U.S. Campuses: An Anti-Racist Call for a Rhetorical Reframing of Hate Symbols as Violent Technologies,” Carolin Aronis and Eric Aoki critique how U.S. universities respond to hate incidents involving nooses and Nazi swastikas. They argue that university administrations often frame these acts as mere “symbols of hate,” which minimizes their impact and fails to address the material, spatial, and historical dimensions of the violence involved. By coining the term “technologies of violence,” the authors advocate for a rhetorical shift that recognizes these objects as active agents of oppression, deeply embedded in systemic racism and antisemitism. This approach calls for a more robust, anti-racist response to such incidents, emphasizing the need to treat them as acts of violence rather than symbolic expressions.”

 

Bauer, A J, and P Chakravartty. 2025. “Cruel Capitalism: A Forum on Media and Fascism.” Communication, Culture and Critique 18 (2): 121–22. https://doi.org/10.1093/ccc/tcaf009.

• AI Summary: AJ Bauer and P. Chakravartty introduce a critical forum on “Media and Fascism,” focusing on Elon Musk as a central figure in the nexus of tech oligarchy and authoritarian politics. They explore how Musk’s dual role as tech magnate and right-wing political influencer embodies the entanglement of digital capitalism with authoritarian impulses. The authors highlight tensions between the affective allure of tech-driven promises—such as liberation from regulation—and the aggressive rollback of state protections targeting racial and gender equity. The forum contends that this dynamic often culminates in violent repression and solidifies right-authoritarian formations, calling for radical democratic alternatives to counterbalance these emerging power structures.

 

Berry, R. Alan, Judith E. Rosenbaum, and Amy M. Corey. “Weaponising #Fakenews on Twitter: Generating Flak or Critiquing the Status Quo in the Trump Era?” Javnost – The Public 30, no. 4 (2023). 

• AI Summary: While not directly about fascism or white nationalism, this article explores how the weaponization of “#Fakenews” on Twitter during the Trump era contributes to an information environment that can be exploited by extremist ideologies. It investigates whether the term served to silence dissent or critique the establishment, a dynamic relevant to how fascist or nationalist narratives seek to control public perception.

 

Ben-David, Anat, and Ariadna Matamoros Fernández. 2016. “Hate Speech and Covert Discrimination on Social Media: Monitoring the Facebook Pages of Extreme-Right Political Parties in Spain.” International Journal of Communication 10, 1167-1193.

• AI Summary: “Ben‑David and Matamoros‑Fernández reveal how extremist Spanish parties weaponized Facebook not with explicit bigotry, but via subtle discursive cues. These messages mobilized followers to produce overt hate speech, exploiting platform affordances and social dynamics. The results underscore the difficulty of curbing hate solely through moderate content policies and suggest a need to address the structural and communicative processes behind online radicalization.”

 

Bosmajian, Haig A. “The Nazi Speaker’s Rhetoric.” Quarterly Journal of Speech 46, no. 4 (1960): 365-371. https://doi.org/10.1080/00335636009382435

• AI Summary: “The article offers critical analysis of the rhetorical strategies employed by Nazi orators to manipulate public perception and facilitate the rise of totalitarianism. Bosmajian examines how Nazi speakers utilized persuasive language to dehumanize targeted groups, such as Jews, and to justify aggressive expansionism. He identifies specific rhetorical techniques, including the use of euphemisms, scapegoating, and appeals to nationalism, which served to legitimize violence and oppression. The analysis underscores the power of rhetoric in shaping public consciousness and enabling authoritarian regimes to gain and maintain power. This study contributes to the field of rhetorical criticism by illustrating the mechanisms through which language can be weaponized to support harmful ideologies. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the importance of critical engagement with political discourse to prevent the manipulation of public sentiment.”

 

Braddock, Kurt. “Using Deep Learning Neural Networks to Predict Individual Violent vs. Non-Violent Extremism,” Terrorism and Political Violence (2024). https://doi.org/10.1080/09546553.2024.2376639. 

• AI Summary: “Kurt Braddock’s 2024 article, “Using Deep Learning Neural Networks to Predict Violent vs. Nonviolent Extremist Behaviors,” published in Terrorism and Political Violence, introduces a novel machine learning approach to differentiate between individuals who engage in violent versus nonviolent extremist behaviors. This research addresses a critical gap in counterterrorism and countering violent extremism (CVE) efforts by providing a data-driven method to assess and predict extremist trajectories.”

 

Braddock, Kurt, Brian Hughes, Beth Goldberg, and Cynthia Miller-Idriss. “Engagement in Subversive Online Activity Predicts Persuasion by Far-Right Extremist Propaganda,” New Media & Society 26, no. 4 (2024): 1775-1798. https://doi.org/10.1177/14614448221077286.

• AI Summary: “In their 2024 article, “Engagement in Subversive Online Activity Predicts Persuasion by Far-Right Extremist Propaganda,” published in New Media & Society, Kurt Braddock, Brian Hughes, Beth Goldberg, and Cynthia Miller-Idriss investigate the relationship between online behaviors and susceptibility to far-right extremist content. The study comprises two experiments involving 800 participants, each exposed to different forms of far-right propaganda—specifically, “scientific racism” and “male supremacy.” The researchers found that individuals who engaged in subversive online activities, such as trolling, harassment, and conspiracy-mongering, exhibited increased susceptibility to the propaganda. This was evidenced by greater feelings of gratification, higher attribution of credibility to the sources, increased intention to support the propaganda’s message, and reduced resistance to its content. These findings suggest that subversive online behaviors may serve as indicators of vulnerability to extremist persuasion, highlighting the need for targeted interventions in online spaces to mitigate the spread of far-right ideologies.”

 

Braddock, Kurt. “Vaccinating against Hate: Using Attitudinal Inoculation to Confer Resistance to Persuasion by Extremist Propaganda,” Terrorism and Political Violence 34, no. 2 (2022): 240-262. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546553.2019.1693370.

• AI Summary: “Kurt Braddock’s 2022 article, “Vaccinating Against Hate: Using Attitudinal Inoculation to Confer Resistance to Persuasion by Extremist Propaganda,” published in Terrorism and Political Violence, explores the application of inoculation theory to counter violent extremism. Inoculation theory, akin to a vaccine, involves exposing individuals to weakened counterarguments to bolster their resistance to future persuasive attacks. Braddock’s study empirically tests this approach by assessing whether inoculation can reduce susceptibility to extremist propaganda.”

 

Bratich, Jack. “‘Give Me Liberty or Give Me Covid!’: Anti-Lockdown Protests as Necropopulist Downsurgency.” Cultural Studies 35, no. 2-3 (2021). 

• AI Summary: This article analyzes anti-lockdown protests as “necropopulist downsurgency,” a concept that can connect to fascist tendencies through its embrace of death in pursuit of a perceived liberty, often fueled by populist rhetoric. It explores how these movements mobilize anxieties and challenge established authority in ways that can resonate with broader anti-democratic or authoritarian sentiments.

 

Bratich, Jack Z. “On Microfascism: Gender, War, and Death.” (2022). 

• AI Summary: This work introduces the concept of “microfascism,” arguing that elements of fascist ideology and practice manifest on an intimate, everyday scale, particularly in relation to gender, war, and death. It explores how dynamics of control, power, and violence, characteristic of larger fascist movements, can be observed in social interactions and cultural understandings.

 

Brewer, Edward C., and Chrys Egan. 2021. “Clear and Present Danger Standard 100th Anniversary: Examining Donald J. Trump’s ‘Presidential’ Rhetoric as a Clear and Present Danger.” First Amendment Studies, January 2. world. https://nca.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/21689725.2021.1886967.

• AI Summary: Edward C. Brewer and Chrys Egan revisit the centenary of the “clear and present danger” standard by applying it to Donald J. Trump’s presidential rhetoric, contending that his language repeatedly crossed the threshold of protected speech into dangerously inciting territory. They analyze how Trump’s repeated claims of a stolen election and his combative tone served not merely as political posturing but as rhetorical acts with the capacity to provoke immediate, lawless action—arguably satisfying the imminent action component of the test . The authors ground their critique in the First Amendment’s historical doctrine, contrasting Trump’s verbal assaults with earlier jurisprudence and suggesting his rhetoric represents a modern exemplar of speech that could lawfully be curtailed under the century-old standard . Lastly, they underscore the broader democratic implications, warning that unbridled political speech of this nature undermines constitutional checks and poses genuine threats to public safety and democratic norms .

 

Bright, Jonathan, Nahema Marchal, Bharath Ganesh, and Stevan Rudinac. 2022. “How Do Individuals in a Radical Echo Chamber React to Opposing Views? Evidence from a Content Analysis of Stormfront.” Human Communication Research 48 (1): 116–45. https://doi.org/10.1093/hcr/hqab020.

• AI Summary: Bright, Marchal, Ganesh, and Rudinac analyze over 35,000 posts from the radical‑right forum Stormfront (2011–2013) to examine how users react to opposing viewpoints. Contrary to expectations, they find that Stormfront members frequently engage with counter-attitudinal content rather than avoiding it, with the most active users showing higher rates of engagement . However, these engagements rarely lead to shifts in opinion; instead, postings systematically undermine, reframe, or decontextualize opposing arguments to reinforce white‑nationalist ideology. Consequently, the authors argue that injecting counter‑messages into radical echo chambers may have limited effectiveness—sometimes even strengthening extremist discourse rather than dismantling it.

 

Burke, Kenneth. 1939.  “The Rhetoric of Hitler’s “Battle.”” 

• AI Summary: In “The Rhetoric of Hitler’s ‘Battle’” (1939), Kenneth Burke conducts a critical rhetorical analysis of Mein Kampf to expose the symbolic and ideological strategies underlying Hitler’s rise. He identifies the use of unifying scapegoating rhetoric, whereby societal problems are projected onto a common enemy—in this case, the Jews—to foster social cohesion and obedience. Burke highlights Hitler’s manipulative appeals to purity, order, and mystical nationalism, warning that such rhetorical patterns can be replicated beyond their original context. The essay serves as both a diagnostic and a cautionary work, urging readers to recognize how language can be weaponized in service of authoritarianism.

 

Cammaerts, Bart. “Defending Democracy Against Populist Neo-Fascist Attacks: The Role and Problems of Public Sphere Theory.” Javnost – The Public 31, no. 1 (2024).

• AI Summary: This article directly addresses the challenge of defending democracy against “populist neo-fascist attacks.” It examines how these movements exploit the public sphere to spread their ideologies and undermine democratic institutions, while also discussing the limitations of public sphere theory in countering these threats.

 

Carlson, Caitlin Ring. 2020. “Hate Speech as a Structural Phenomenon.” First Amendment Studies, July 2. world. https://nca.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/21689725.2020.1837649. 

• AI Summary: Caitlin Ring Carlson argues that hate speech should be understood as a structural phenomenon, not just individual expression, because it reinforces systemic inequalities such as racism, sexism, and heteronormativity. She critiques the U.S. legal framework for privileging free speech absolutism under the First Amendment, which often protects hate speech at the expense of marginalized communities. Carlson calls for the use of civil legal tools and institutional responses to mitigate the structural harms of hate speech without necessarily invoking criminal law. Her approach reframes the regulation of hate speech as an issue of social justice rather than one of censorship.

 

Chagas, Viktor. 2024. “Far-Right Memespheres and Platform Affordances: The Effects of Environmental Opacity on the Spread of Extremist Memes on Twitter and WhatsApp.” Journal of Applied Communication Research, July 3. world. https://nca.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00909882.2024.2355114.

• AI Summary: Viktor Chagas compares far-right meme usage on Twitter and WhatsApp, using a sample of 1,794 memes to uncover platform-specific dynamics. His analysis reveals that ideological or extremist memes appear significantly more often on WhatsApp than on Twitter. He attributes this difference to WhatsApp’s environmental opacity—end-to-end encryption and private group structures—that fosters closed, extremist “memespheres.” Ultimately, he argues this opacity enables far-right content to spread more freely and intensely within those private networks than on more transparent, public platforms.

 

Chebrolu, E. 2020. “Free Speech and Loss in White Nationalist Rhetoric.” First Amendment Studies 54 (2): 197–208. https://doi.org/10.1080/21689725.2020.1837652.

• AI Summary: E. Chebrolu examines how white nationalist rhetoric strategically invokes “free speech” to mask deeper psychopolitical dynamics rooted in anti-Blackness. Drawing on Lacanian psychoanalytic theory and close readings of manifestos and ideological texts, the article shows how such actors construct themselves as heroic vigilantes defending racial purity, thereby positioning any challenge to their speech as a threat to their perceived mission. Chebrolu argues that this rhetoric doesn’t simply assert rights but enacts a “loss narrative”—the idea that white identity is under siege—which legitimizes extremist violence and self-deputization. The study ultimately calls attention to how appeals to free speech in these contexts aren’t benign but are structurally bound to racialized fantasies of crisis and entitlement. 

 

Chebrolu, E. 2020. “The racial lens of Dylann Roof: Racial Anxiety and White Nationalist Rhetoric on New Media.” Review of Communication 20 (1): 47-68. https://doi.org/10.1080/15358593.2019.1708441

• AI Summary: E. Chebrolu investigates the case of Dylann Roof to explore how white nationalist rhetoric on new media platforms reflects and amplifies underlying racial anxiety. Through rhetorical analysis of Roof’s manifesto and online communications, the article demonstrates how he frames Black Americans as an existential threat to white identity, constructing a crisis narrative that justifies extremist violence. Chebrolu highlights how new media affordances—such as anonymity and virality—enabled Roof’s message to circulate and resonate within white supremacist networks. Ultimately, the study reveals how digital platforms both reflect and reify deep-seated racial fears, transforming them into mobilizing rhetoric that fuels far-right extremism.

 

Cloud, Dana L. “The Spiral of Survival.” Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies 17, no. 4 (2020): 369-277. https://doi.org/10.1080/14791420.2020.1829658

• AI Summary: “In “The Spiral of Survival”, Dana L. Cloud explores two contrasting responses to systemic oppression: resignation and revolutionary resistance. She argues that while many individuals succumb to despair and passivity in the face of global injustices such as climate change, racial violence, and economic inequality, there exists a transformative potential in the lived experiences of the oppressed. Drawing from Marxist theory and feminist perspectives, Cloud posits that subjugation can serve as a catalyst for consciousness-raising and collective action. She emphasizes the importance of solidarity and activism in reversing the spiral of survival from mere endurance to active resistance, advocating for a movement toward justice and human flourishing.”

 

Cram, Emerson. “Fascist Energizing: Rhetorics of Transantagonism as Affective Metabolism.” Quarterly Journal of Speech 110, no. 3 (2024). 

• AI Summary: This article argues that “rhetorics of transantagonism” function as “fascist energizing” by generating and circulating specific emotions that contribute to the mobilization of fascistic sentiments. It analyzes how anti-trans discourse dehumanizes and creates an “other,” thereby consolidating group identity and energizing movements with authoritarian or exclusionary tendencies.

 

Crick, Nathan, ed. 2022. The Rhetoric of Fascism. Tuscaloosa, AL: University of Alabama Press.

• AI Summary: Nathan Crick’s edited collection, The Rhetoric of Fascism (2022), brings together interdisciplinary essays that interrogate the linguistic, affective, and symbolic dimensions of fascist communication across historical and contemporary contexts. Contributors analyze how fascist rhetoric mobilizes through repetition, spectacle, and fear—employing tropes of purity, destiny, and crisis to generate affective solidarity and authorize violence. The volume traces these rhetorical patterns across diverse geographies and media platforms, demonstrating their persistence and adaptability in the digital age. By foregrounding discourse analysis, Crick emphasizes rhetoric’s central role not only in fascist politics but also in diagnosing and resisting authoritarian creep.

 

Crick, N. (2019). The Rhetoric of Fascism: Or, This Is the Way the World Ends. Rhetoric Society Quarterly, 49(2), 193–201. https://doi.org/10.1080/02773945.2019.1582258

• AI Summary: Nathan Crick’s 2019 essay argues that fascism should be understood as a rhetorical and affective formation rather than merely a political ideology or historical regime. He critiques reductive definitions that equate fascism solely with totalitarian violence, emphasizing instead its cultural and discursive roots in myth, emotion, and appeals to national rebirth. Through a review of works by Gottfried, Albright, Levitsky and Ziblatt, and Stanley, Crick identifies central fascist rhetorical strategies such as victimization, anti-intellectualism, scapegoating, and crisis mobilization. He concludes that understanding these rhetorical patterns is crucial for resisting contemporary authoritarian movements that thrive under democratic façades.

 

Daniel, James Rushing. “Rewriting the Plan of the World: Peter Thiel’s Messianic Rhetoric and the End of Progressive Neoliberalism.” Quarterly Journal of Speech 111, no. 2 (2025): 272-295. https://doi.org/10.1080/00335630.2024.2340046

• AI Summary: “James Rushing Daniel’s 2024 article, “Rewriting the Plan of the World: Peter Thiel’s Messianic Rhetoric and the End of Progressive Neoliberalism”, published in the Quarterly Journal of Speech, critically examines how Peter Thiel, a prominent tech entrepreneur, employs messianic rhetoric to advocate for a radical reimagining of capitalism. Daniel argues that Thiel’s discourse seeks to dismantle the prevailing neoliberal order, which he characterizes as “progressive neoliberalism,” and replace it with a more exclusionary and aggressive form of capitalism. Drawing on Giorgio Agamben’s interpretation of Saint Paul’s theology, Daniel contends that Thiel adopts a Pauline stance to envision a “plērōma” (fullness) of capitalism—preserving the profit motive while discarding the progressive elements associated with neoliberalism. This analysis positions Thiel as a central figure in a broader far-right movement aiming to reshape global capitalism by blending theological language with economic ideology. By framing Thiel’s rhetoric within the context of contemporary neoliberal discourse, Daniel highlights the adaptability of neoliberalism as a rhetorical logic capable of incorporating arguments from across the political spectrum. The article underscores the significance of billionaire entrepreneurs as influential rhetors in shaping the ideological landscape of 21st-century capitalism.”

 

Davies, Jonathan. “Brexit and Invasive Species: A Case Study of the Cognitive and Affective Encoding of ‘Abject Nature’ in Contemporary Nationalist Ideology.” Cultural Studies 36, no. 4 (2022).

• AI Summary: This article connects Brexit to contemporary nationalist ideology by analyzing how the concept of “invasive species” is used to encode “abject nature,” paralleling the language used to describe immigrants or external influences in nationalist discourse. It demonstrates how anxieties about natural purity are symbolically linked to national identity to justify exclusionary political agendas, a common theme in nationalist and sometimes proto-fascist movements.

 

DeCook, Julia Rose. 2020. “Trust Me, I’m Trolling: Irony and the Alt-Right’s Political Aesthetic.” M/C Journal 23 (3). https://doi.org/10.5204/mcj.1655.

• AI Summary: Julia R. DeCook examines how the alt-right transforms trolling and irony into a political aesthetic, using humor and ambiguity to cloak extremist messaging as harmless fun. She argues that memes, hoaxes, and provocative performance serve as culture‑jamming tactics, disrupting public discourse while maintaining plausible deniability. By wrapping white supremacist and misogynist content in irony and meme culture, these actors desensitize audiences and foster in-group solidarity. Ultimately, DeCook warns that this strategic aestheticization of politics empowers the alt-right to influence real-world beliefs and events under the guise of internet pranksterism.

 

Donovan, Joan, Emily Dreyfuss, and Brian Friedberg. 2022. Meme Wars: The Untold Story of the Online Battles Upending Democracy in America. London: Bloomsbury Publishing.

• AI Summary: Joan Donovan, Emily Dreyfuss, and Brian Friedberg trace the rise of meme-driven online subcultures that have reshaped political discourse and fueled authoritarian movements in the U.S. They show how communities like Gamergate, QAnon, and “Stop the Steal” use memes as affective weapons—deploying irony, conspiracy, and humor to radicalize users and normalize extremism. These decentralized digital networks blend entertainment and propaganda, translating online rhetoric into real-world actions, including political violence. The authors argue that meme warfare now constitutes a significant threat to democratic institutions and must be taken seriously as a form of political mobilization.

 

Dunbar-Hester, Christina. 2025. “Oil, Life, and Everyday Fossil Fascism: Appropriative Signification in U.S. Petroleum Supremacy.” Communication, Culture and Critique 18 (1): 21–30. https://doi.org/10.1093/ccc/tcae055.

• AI Summary: Christina Dunbar‑Hester’s article “Oil, Life, and Everyday Fossil Fascism” (2025) investigates how U.S. oil producers co-opt the symbolic language of environmental justice, civil rights, and “life-affirming” aesthetics to promote petroleum supremacy in the western United States. Through rhetorical analysis of recent mobilizations—such as pro-drilling rallies and industry messaging—the article reveals how these actors invert liberationist discourse to cloak extractive agendas in a veneer of vitality and resistance. This appropriation, she argues, functions as a form of “microfascist” rhetoric that obscures the existential precarity of the petroleum industry while weaponizing cultural signifiers to reinforce fossil capitalism. Ultimately, Dunbar‑Hester warns that such discursive maneuvers pose a harm to both democratic discourse and ecological justice by normalizing authoritarian and extractive logics hidden within life-affirming narratives.

 

Einertson, Kristen M. “The ‘Keys’ to Unlocking Eastern European (Neo)Nazism: The Search for Narrative Refuge.” Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies 22, no. 5 (2025): 199-219. https://doi.org/10.1080/14791420.2025.2503814

• AI Summary: “In this article, Kristen M. Einertson examines the resurgence of neo-Nazism in Eastern Europe, particularly in the context of Russia’s campaign against Ukraine. She argues that understanding this phenomenon requires an analysis of the historical and cultural narratives that have shaped national identities in the region. Einertson explores how these narratives have been manipulated to foster a sense of victimhood and to justify aggressive nationalist ideologies. The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing the role of media and political discourse in constructing these narratives and the need for critical engagement to counteract their influence.”

 

Elers, Christine Helen, and Pooja Jayan. “‘This Is Us’: Free Speech Embedded in Whiteness, Racism and Coloniality in Aotearoa, New Zealand.” First Amendment Studies 54, no. 2 (2020): 236-249. https://doi.org/10.1080/21689725.2020.1837654

• AI Summary: “Elers and Jayan critically examine the discourse surrounding free speech in Aotearoa (New Zealand), arguing that it is deeply embedded in structures of whiteness, racism, and coloniality. They contend that the prevailing liberal expressions of free speech often serve to dehumanize and marginalize Indigenous Māori and other minority groups. The authors highlight the ambivalence in New Zealand’s legislative acknowledgment of Māori sovereignty, as outlined in the Treaty of Waitangi, and how this reflects broader human rights violations. The article discusses instances where freedom of speech has been used as a shield to justify offensive and abusive attacks on Indigenous and minority communities, thereby perpetuating systemic inequalities. Elers and Jayan call for a re-examination of free speech that considers its implications on marginalized groups and challenges the dominant narratives that uphold white supremacy.”

 

Fountain, T. K. (2024). Rhetoric and the Cultural Politics of Donald Trump. Rhetoric Society Quarterly, 54(1), 91–102. https://doi.org/10.1080/02773945.2023.2295772

• AI Summary: T. Kenny Fountain’s review essay on Rhetoric and the Cultural Politics of Donald Trump synthesizes insights from six recent rhetorical studies that explore the rhetorical and cultural logics underpinning Trumpism. He identifies four central themes: the media’s privileging of spectacle, immediacy, and partisanship; the emotional and identity-based nature of Trump’s appeal; the significance of psychological and affective dimensions in his rhetoric; and the broader cultural phenomenon underpinning his rise. Fountain argues that Trump’s style—marked by crisis narratives, emotional manipulation, and demagogic strategies—is deeply embedded in America’s long-standing rhetorical and cultural structures, not merely a recent disruption. Ultimately, his analysis suggests that understanding Trump requires attention to the deeper systems of meaning and media practices that both enabled and extended his influence

 

Feshami, Kevan A. 2021. “‘We Act as One Lest We Perish Alone’: A Case Study in Mediated White Nationalist Activism.” Communication, Culture and Critique 14 (1): 52–69. https://doi.org/10.1093/ccc/tcaa001.

• AI Summary: “Feshami’s case study of EU565 reveals how affective messaging and metapolitics operate online to cultivate a sense of white unity and existential threat. The group’s tactics—emotionally charged, culturally tailored, and digitally amplified—underscore the need for further analysis of affect-driven, networked far-right movements. Especially as they forge transnational extremist communities, these micro-groups can exert influence well beyond their size, challenging democratic norms and digital media governance.”

 

Frye, Joshua and Steve Goldzwig. Rhetoric and Democracy in a Post-Truth Era. Lanham: Lexington, 2024.

• AI Summary: Joshua J. Frye and Steven R. Goldzwig’s Rhetoric and Democracy in a Post‑Truth Era (2024) examines how four interrelated vectors—post‑truth culture, polarization, social media platforms, and right‑wing populism—create self‑reinforcing “feedback loops” that corrode democratic rhetoric and norms. They argue that these loops distort the connections between reason, speech, and action, eroding public trust in truth and virtue and enabling political dysfunction and violence. Drawing on both theoretical insights and empirical examples, the authors trace how these communicative pathologies evolved during the Trump era and offer a roadmap for reclaiming democratic discourse through more responsible citizen communication. Ultimately, they propose that addressing these systemic dynamics is essential for revitalizing democratic citizenship in an increasingly fragmented information environment.

 

Gilbert, Christopher J. “The Diapered Donald: Comic Infantilizations of a U.S. American President.” Quarterly Journal of Speech 107, no. 3 (2021): 328-353. https://doi.org/10.1080/00335630.2021.1945132

• AI Summary: “Christopher J. Gilbert’s 2021 article, “The Diapered Donald: Comic Infantilizations of a U.S. American President,” published in the Quarterly Journal of Speech, critically examines how satirical portrayals of Donald Trump utilize infantilization to diminish his presidential authority. Gilbert argues that such comedic representations serve to blunt the rhetorical force of Trump’s presidency by depicting him as a figure of ridicule rather than a formidable political leader. The analysis delves into how these portrayals function rhetorically, suggesting that they not only undermine Trump’s image but also reflect broader societal dynamics concerning power and authority. Gilbert’s work contributes to the understanding of political humor and its role in shaping public perception of political figures.”

 

Girox, Henry A. “Cultural Politics and Public Intellectuals in the Age of Emerging Fascism.” Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies 21, no. 1 (2024): 6-21. https://doi.org/10.1080/14791420.2024.2304272

• AI Summary: “In this article, Henry A. Giroux examines the rise of a contemporary form of fascism characterized by extreme nativism and hostility toward racial integration, which he argues is central to U.S. politics. He contends that this “upgraded” fascism is propagated through mass media, increasingly controlled by a wealthy elite, and is legitimized by political leaders. Giroux emphasizes the critical role of public intellectuals in resisting this authoritarian shift by promoting democratic values, critical pedagogy, and civic engagement. He advocates for a renewed commitment to education as a means to challenge the growing fascist threat and to uphold democratic principles.”

 

Ganesh, Bharath. “Weaponizing White Thymos: Flows of Rage in the Online Audiences of the Alt-Right.” Cultural Studies 34, no. 6 (2020). 

• AI Summary: This article directly addresses white nationalism by exploring how the “Alt-Right” weaponizes “white thymos,” a desire for recognition, through “flows of rage” in their online audiences. It examines how anger and resentment are leveraged and intensified in digital spaces, contributing to the radicalization and mobilization of white nationalist sentiments.

 

Giroux, Henry A. “Trump and the Legacy of a Menacing Past.” Cultural Studies 33, no. 4 (2019). 

• AI Summary: This article connects Donald Trump’s presidency to a “menacing past” that evokes historical instances of authoritarianism and demagoguery, often associated with nascent fascism. It argues that Trump’s rhetoric and actions echo themes and tactics seen in earlier periods of political repression, highlighting societal vulnerabilities to such leadership.

 

Greene, Ryan, and Karrin Vasby Anderson. “President Wonder Woman and Congresswoman Batgirl: The Authoritarian Überfrau and Democratic Resilience in Superheroine Comics.” Quarterly Journal of Speech, October 7, 2024.

• AI Summary: This article explores how “authoritarian Überfrau” figures in superheroine comics, while not explicitly fascist, can embody tendencies towards control and undemocratic power, thus testing democratic resilience. It questions whether such powerful female portrayals, despite their heroic nature, might inadvertently reinforce elements of authoritarianism.

 

Greenwalt, Dustin A., and James Alexander McVey. “Get Gritty with It: Memetic Icons and the Visual Ethos of Antifascism.” Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies 19, no. 2 (2022).

• AI Summary: This article focuses on antifascism by analyzing how “memetic icons” like Gritty contribute to its “visual ethos.” It explores how these symbols create a distinct visual language for antifascist movements, fostering collective identity and offering a defiant counter-narrative to extremist ideologies, including fascism.

 

Gorsevski, Ellen W. 2018. “Native America Persists: Pocahontas versus Trump.” Journal of Multicultural Discourses 13 (2): 160–75. doi:10.1080/17447143.2018.1493112

• AI Summary: Ellen W. Gorsevski’s “Native America Persists: Pocahontas versus Trump” examines how the figure of Pocahontas operates as a complex and polyvalent symbol within U.S. multicultural discourse. Gorsevski contends that President Trump’s repeated use of “Pocahontas” as a derogatory epithet for Senator Warren invokes colonial myths and employs synecdochic logic—reducing Indigenous identity to a slur that both erases and silences intersectional identities. The essay also problematizes the author’s own positionality as a white scholar with ancestral ties to Pocahontas, examining how Indigenous narratives are refracted through multiple lenses and can carry both oppressive and empowering potentials. Ultimately, she illustrates how historical figures like Pocahontas can be reactivated in modern political rhetoric—either as symbols of resistance or as instruments of white supremacist agendas—and calls for a decolonial, more nuanced engagement with these symbolic legacies.

 

Gorsevski, Ellen W. 2021. “Barbara Lee’s Peacebuilding Discourse as Transformative Social Justice Politics.” Journal of Black Studies 52 (2): 144–65. doi:10.1177/0021934720964924

• AI Summary: Ellen W. Gorsevski analyzes Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s peacebuilding discourse to demonstrate how her consistent advocacy for nonviolence—rooted in her identity as a Black, single mother and grassroots activist—offers a powerful counter-model to dominant white, masculinist and militarist rhetoric. Drawing on speeches, interviews, and legislative actions spanning post‑9/11 through the Trump era, the article shows that Lee employs a distinctive “peacebuilding discourse” that not only critiques imperial and xenophobic policies, but also constructs viable frameworks for equity, inclusivity, and nonviolent social justice. This discourse serves a dual function: interrupting oppressive narratives and mobilizing support for transformative legislation in areas like the Department of Peace and gun violence prevention. Gorsevski argues that Lee’s rhetorical approach exemplifies how intersectional standpoint-based communication can yield democratic and systemic change by re-centering those most harmed by prevailing power structures.

 

Hartzell, Stephanie. 2018. “Alt-White: Conceptualizing the ‘Alt-Right’ as a Rhetorical Bridge between White Nationalism and Mainstream Public Discourse.” Journal of Contemporary Rhetoric 8 (1/2): 6–25.

• AI Summary: Stephanie Hartzell’s article “Alt‑White” conceptualizes the alt-right as a strategic rhetorical bridge that connects white nationalist ideology with mainstream public discourse. She argues that the alt-right deliberately repackages extremist ideas in vernacular language and memes to make them more palatable and less stigmatized for broader audiences. By adopting irony, humor, and coded symbolism, alt-right communicators obscure their intentions while fostering in‑group cohesion and recruiting new adherents. Ultimately, Hartzell contends that this rhetorical repositioning normalizes white supremacist perspectives and allows them to seep into mainstream politics under the guise of edgy cultural critique.

 

Hartzell, Stephanie L. “Whiteness Feels Good Here: Interrogating White Nationalist Rhetoric on Stormfront.” Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies 17, no. 2 (2020): 129-148. https://doi.org/10.1080/14791420.2020.1745858

• AI Summary: “In this article, Stephanie L. Hartzell employs a critical rhetorical framework to analyze white nationalist discourse on Stormfront, a prominent white nationalist online forum. Hartzell explores how Stormfront strategically constructs a sense of belonging and pride among white audiences by appealing to affective states such as common sense and communal identity. The study reveals how the platform navigates and challenges colorblind ideologies, differentiates itself from overt white supremacy, and subtly encourages white racial consciousness. Hartzell argues that these rhetorical strategies serve to normalize and mainstream white nationalism by presenting it as a legitimate and emotionally resonant identity.”

 

Haskins, Ekaterina. 2003. “Time, Space, and Political Identity: Envisioning Community in Triumph of the Will.” In Terministic Screen: Rhetorical Perspectives on Film and Film Theory, ed. David Blakesley. 92-106. Carbondale, IL: Southern Illinois University Press. 

• AI Summary: The essay examines the rhetoric of the most famous Nazi documentary, “Triumph of the Will” (1935, dir. Leni Riefenstahl). Film “propaganda” in Nazi Germany remains one of the most notorious examples of the political spectacle in the twentieth century. Many rhetorical theorists in the past were puzzled and outraged by the “irrational” persuasive powers of Nazi visual pageantry, contrasting it with the putatively rational process of deliberation and free political discussion in western democracies. Yet there is more than irrational seduction to what Walter Benjamin termed the “aestheticization of politics” represented by Nazi films, where the masses are brought “face-to-face with themselves” (Benjamin ). In order to challenge the irrationality presumption, as well as to offer a more critically useful way of reading visual propaganda, the essay inquires into the rhetoric of identification deployed in the film. Burkean understanding of rhetoric as “identification,” I will explore how political identity is dramatized and shaped through the manipulation of time and space in cinema. As distinct from other readings of this disquieting classic, my interpretation centers not on the relationship between the masses and the “Führer,” but on the ways viewers are invited to identify with their cinematic representation as the folkish community, the collective body of “das Volk.”  

 

Henry, Taylor M. 2024. “‘Get Woke, Go Broke’: Sport Media’s Monetization of White Male Grievance in the Age of Trump.” Critical Studies in Media Communication, August 7. world. https://nca.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15295036.2024.2394163.

• AI Summary: Stephanie Henry’s article, “Get Woke, Go Broke: Sport Media’s Monetization of White Male Grievance in the Age of Trump,” explores how sports media pundits—such as Clay Travis on Fox Sports—profited by amplifying white male backlash to politically active Black athletes following the Black Lives Matter resurgence. Henry argues that these figures repurposed Trump-era rhetoric within sports commentary, deliberately fostering polarization, anti-Black sentiment, and partisan outrage to drive audience engagement and profits. The analysis demonstrates how this strategy mirrors conservative political media by monetizing grievance, normalizing racist and sexist discourse, and reinforcing right-wing identity politics. Ultimately, Henry warns that such monetization entrenches cultural divisions and embeds extremist narratives deeper into mainstream sports media.

 

Hoyng, Rolien. “Platforms for Populism? The Affective Issue Crowd and Its Disconnections.” International Journal of Cultural Studies.

• AI Summary: While not directly about fascism, this article’s exploration of “platforms for populism” and “affective issue crowds” is relevant to understanding how fascist and white nationalist movements can leverage digital spaces. It examines how online platforms facilitate the formation of groups united by shared emotions, a key mechanism for extremist mobilization.

 

Hunt, Stephen K., and Kevin R. Meyer. 2021. “Making the Case for a Pedagogy of Civic Engagement, Antiextremism, and Antiracism: A Response to Forum Essays.” Communication Education, October 2. world. https://nca.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03634523.2021.1958239.

• AI Summary: Hunt and Meyer argue that communication education must actively respond to rising political extremism, racism, and democratic instability by embracing a pedagogy grounded in civic engagement, antiextremism, and antiracism. They emphasize the urgency of equipping students with critical media literacy and rhetorical tools to navigate misinformation, polarization, and hate speech in a post-truth environment. The authors call for curricula that foreground democratic values and structural awareness rather than neutral or apolitical approaches. They conclude that educators have a civic responsibility to foster informed, engaged, and ethically committed citizens capable of resisting authoritarian discourse and upholding democratic norms.

 

Johnson, Jessica. 2018. “The Self-Radicalization of White Men: ‘Fake News’ and the Affective Networking of Paranoia.” Communication, Culture and Critique 11 (1): 100–115. https://doi.org/10.1093/ccc/tcx014.

• AI Summary: Jessica Johnson’s article examines how paranoia becomes a shared affective environment that facilitates the self-radicalization of white men online. She draws on actor-network and affect theory to show that digital platforms—through the circulation of “fake news,” algorithmic reinforcement, and politicized performances—create an ecology of suspicion extending beyond individual pathology. By tracing connections between events like Pizzagate and the Charlottesville Unite the Right rally, Johnson demonstrates how this paranoia is co-produced by social media, bots, political rhetoric, and state discourse. Ultimately, she argues that this networked paranoia has tangible, violent consequences and must be understood as a structural, digitally mediated phenomenon rather than an isolated personal aberration.

 

Johnson, Paul Elliott. “The Art of Masculine Victimhood: Donald Trump’s Demagoguery.” Women’s Studies in Communication 40, no. 3 (2017). 

• AI Summary: This article analyzes Donald Trump’s demagoguery through the lens of “the art of masculine victimhood,” a rhetorical strategy that can resonate with populist and, in some cases, proto-fascist appeals to a disenfranchised male base. It explores how this sense of grievance fuels opposition to perceived liberal establishments and reinforces a particular, often aggressive, form of masculinity.

 

Jutel, Olivier. “American Populism, Glenn Beck and Affective Media Production.” International Journal of Cultural Studies.

• AI Summary: This article connects “American populism” with “affective media production” through the case of Glenn Beck, a dynamic that can contribute to environments where nationalist or authoritarian sentiments thrive. It examines how media figures use emotion to appeal to populist audiences, a strategy often employed by leaders leaning towards a more nationalistic or even fascistic agenda.

 

Kelly, Casey Ryan. Apocalypse Man: The Death Drive and the Rhetoric of White Masculine Victimhood. Columbus, OH: Ohio State University Press, 2020.

• Summary (per publisher): Examines white masculine victimhood by looking at the rhetoric of gender-motivated mass shooters, white supremacists, online misogynist and incel communities, survivalists and doomsday preppers, gun culture and political rallies, and political demagogues.

 

Kelly, Casey Ryan. “Donald J. Trump and the Rhetoric of Ressentiment.” Quarterly Journal of Speech 106, no. 1 (2020): 2-24. https://doi.org/10.1080/00335630.2019.1698756

• AI Summary: “In his 2020 article, “Donald J. Trump and the Rhetoric of Ressentiment,” published in the Quarterly Journal of Speech, Casey Ryan Kelly analyzes the emotional and moral dimensions of President Donald Trump’s rhetoric, focusing on how he employs ressentiment—a concept rooted in Nietzschean philosophy—to shape public discourse. Kelly defines ressentiment as a condition where individuals, feeling powerless and impotent, internalize their frustrations and transform them into a moral framework that justifies their victimhood and desire for revenge. In Trump’s speeches, this manifests as a narrative where he portrays himself and his supporters as victims of societal elites, media, and political opponents, thereby legitimizing their grievances and calls for retribution. Through rhetorical analysis of Trump’s rally speeches, Kelly demonstrates how he constructs a dichotomy between virtuous victims and corrupt adversaries. This inversion of moral values—where victimhood is seen as virtuous and the oppressed are depicted as morally superior—serves to mobilize support by appealing to emotions of anger and injustice. However, Kelly argues that this strategy ultimately undermines democratic values by promoting a cycle of grievance and revenge over constructive political engagement. By framing Trump’s rhetoric within the concept of ressentiment, Kelly provides a critical lens through which to understand the emotional undercurrents of his political appeal and the implications for democratic discourse.”

 

Kelly, Casey Ryan. 2021. “Whiteness, Repressive Victimhood, and the Foil of the Intolerant Left.” First Amendment Studies, January 2. world. https://nca.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/21689725.2021.1895863.

• AI Summary: Casey Ryan Kelly argues that controversies over conservative campus speakers (e.g., Milo Yiannopoulos) serve as vehicles for “repressive victimhood,” in which white conservatives position themselves as marginalized minorities to shield their speech from critique. Drawing on Herbert Marcuse’s notion of repressive tolerance and Critical Race Theory, he shows how appeals to absolutist free speech obscure white supremacy by framing counter-speech as equivalent to censorship. These orchestrated events function not to advance ideas, but to reinforce white identity politics and claim moral authority under the guise of victimhood. Kelly concludes that such victimhood rhetoric upholds whiteness as neutral and property-like, allowing it to evade scrutiny while maintaining institutional dominance.

 

Lacy, Michael G. “White Innocence Heroes: Recovery, Reversals, Paternalism, and David Duke.” Journal of International and Intercultural Communication 3, no. 3 (2010): 206-227. https://doi.org/10.1080/17513057.2010.487221

• AI Summary: “Michael G. Lacy’s 2010 article, “White Innocence Heroes: Recovery, Reversals, Paternalism, and David Duke,” published in the Journal of International and Intercultural Communication, critically examines the rhetorical strategies employed by David Duke, a former Ku Klux Klan leader and Nazi sympathizer, to reframe his racist past and position himself as an antiracist advocate. Lacy analyzes a 1989 letter to the editor by Duke, written shortly before his Louisiana State Senate victory, in which Duke attempts to justify his previous support for white supremacy by invoking narratives of personal transformation and white paternalism. Duke’s rhetoric suggests that white individuals have a moral obligation to “rescue” Black communities from welfare dependency and to “save” white communities from affirmative action policies, thereby promoting a return to “rugged individualism.” Lacy argues that such narratives serve to sanitize histories of white supremacy, allowing individuals like Duke to maintain a facade of innocence and moral superiority. This process of “white innocence” is not unique to Duke but is also evident in broader political discourse, such as the 2008 McCain-Palin presidential campaign, where similar themes of recovery and paternalism were prevalent. By critically analyzing these rhetorical strategies, Lacy highlights how they perpetuate white privilege and obscure the ongoing legacies of racism in American society. In summary, Lacy’s article provides a critical examination of how white individuals and political figures can manipulate narratives of personal redemption and racial paternalism to obscure their racist histories and maintain positions of power and privilege.”

 

Knüpfer, Curd B, W Lance Bennett, and Ulrike Klinger. 2025. “Far-Right Challenges to Liberal Democratic Press Norms: ‘Indexing by Proxy’ in a German Immigration Debate.” Journal of Communication, July 8, jqaf008. https://doi.org/10.1093/joc/jqaf008.

• AI Summary: Knüpfer, Bennett, and Klinger examine German media coverage of the United Nations’ Global Compact for Migration, revealing that the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) received disproportionate attention not due to policy significance or electoral strength but by strategically disrupting mainstream party debate. They introduce the concept of “indexing by proxy,” where journalists assign newsworthiness to disruptive actors based on how established parties respond to them, rather than their inherent importance. This proxy-driven attention undermines traditional democratic gatekeeping norms by amplifying illiberal voices simply through their capacity to unsettle political discourse. Ultimately, the study warns that this dynamic threatens liberal democratic journalism by prioritizing sensational disruption over informed, proportionate public debate.

 

Koepnick, Lutz P. “Siegfried Rides Again: Westerns, Technology, and the Third Reich.” Cultural Studies 11, no. 3 (1997). 

• AI Summary: This article directly connects to fascism by drawing parallels between “Westerns,” “technology,” and the “Third Reich,” particularly through the metaphor of “Siegfried.” It examines how themes of power, destiny, and technological advancement in Western films might subtly reflect or intersect with the cultural anxieties and aspirations that led to the rise of Nazi Germany.

 

Lawless, Brandi, C. Kyle Rudick, and Kathryn Golsan. “Distinguishing (the) Right from Wrong: Knowledge, Curriculum, and Intellectual Responsibility.” Communication Education 68, no. 4 (2019): 481-495. https://doi.org/10.1080/03634523.2019.1645871

• AI Summary: “In this article, Lawless, Rudick, and Golsan critically examine the political Right’s attacks on U.S. higher education, particularly the accusation that academics are too liberal. They argue that such claims often misuse arguments for freedom of speech and ideological diversity to undermine the mission of higher education. The authors assert that many ideas espoused by the political Right are deeply erroneous and harmful, rather than beneficial, to society’s ability to identify and address its problems. The article emphasizes the importance of safeguarding academic freedom and upholding the integrity of knowledge production and curriculum development in the face of these challenges.”

 

Lee, Michael J. “The Populist Chameleon: The People’s Party, Huey Long, George Wallace, and the Populist Argumentative Frame.” Quarterly Journal of Speech 92, no. 4 (2006): 355-378. https://doi.org/10.1080/00335630601080385

• AI Summary: “Michael J. Lee’s 2006 article, “The Populist Chameleon: The People’s Party, Huey Long, George Wallace, and the Populist Argumentative Frame”, published in the Quarterly Journal of Speech, explores the enduring structure of populist rhetoric in U.S. political history. Lee identifies a consistent “argumentative frame” that underpins various populist movements, despite their differing political content and contexts. Lee traces these themes through the rhetoric of the People’s Party, Huey Long, and George Wallace, illustrating how each adapted this frame to their specific political contexts. He concludes by analyzing the link between populism’s persistence in U.S. history and the nation’s Founding, suggesting that the populist frame taps into foundational narratives of American identity and democracy.”

 

Levina, Marina. “Whiteness and the Joys of Cruelty.” Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies 15, no. 1 (2018): 73-78.

• AI Summary: Marina Levina critiques the pleasure white audiences derive from witnessing acts of racial cruelty, analyzing this enjoyment as deeply embedded in racialized systems of power and identity. She argues that this “joy of cruelty” isn’t an aberration but a performative expression of whiteness—a way for white individuals to reinforce their own superiority and social cohesion. By examining media and public reactions to instances of racialized violence, Levina uncovers how these affective responses sustain structural racism. She calls for critical awareness of this dynamic, urging scholars and audiences alike to confront the unsettling emotional investments that perpetuate inequality.

 

Levina, Marina, and Kumarini Silva. “Cruel intentions: affect theory in the age of Trump.” Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies 15, no. 1 (2018): 70-72.

• AI Summary: Marina Levina and Kumarini Silva build on affect theory to explore how affective dynamics—particularly the pleasure derived from cruelty—are central to the political culture of the Trump era. They argue that public cruelty functions less as isolated incidents and more as orchestrated emotional performances that affirm in-group identity and wield power through affective manipulation. By focusing on how leaders and audiences co-construct these cruel displays, the authors reveal how affect becomes a strategic tool for shaping political allegiance and normalizing aggression. Their analysis highlights the need to address the emotional infrastructures that sustain authoritarian affective regimes, not just their ideological content.

 

Levina, Marina. “Doing Critical Cultural Studies in the Age of Totalitarian Thought.” Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies 22, no. 1 (2025): 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1080/14791420.2025.2469935

• AI Summary: “In this editorial, Marina Levina reflects on the challenges and responsibilities of critical cultural studies scholars in an era marked by the resurgence of authoritarian ideologies and the erosion of democratic norms. Levina emphasizes the importance of maintaining a critical stance that interrogates power structures, media representations, and cultural narratives that contribute to the normalization of totalitarian thought. She advocates for an engaged scholarship that not only analyzes but also resists oppressive systems, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary approaches and solidarity with marginalized communities. Levina calls for a reinvigoration of critical cultural studies as a vital tool for understanding and combating the forces undermining democratic societies.”

 

Lizama, Jimmy. “The Trump Administration’s Framing of the MS-13 Gang: Narrowing the Borders of Belonging with Homeland maternity.” Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies 20, no. 3 (2023): 358-374. https://doi.org/10.1080/14791420.2023.2236187

• AI Summary: “In this article, Jimmy Lizama analyzes how the Trump administration utilized the MS-13 gang to construct an anti-immigrant narrative that specifically targeted Central American communities. He argues that this framing modified traditional anti-Mexican rhetoric by introducing the concept of “homeland maternity,” which redefined the boundaries of national belonging. This narrative positioned Central American immigrants as threats to national security and cultural identity, thereby justifying exclusionary policies and practices. Lizama examines the rhetorical strategies employed to depict these immigrants as inherently dangerous, emphasizing the role of media and political discourse in shaping public perception and policy. The study highlights the intersection of race, immigration, and national identity in the construction of political narratives.”

 

Maldonado, José Ángel. “Manifestx: Toward a Rhetoric Loaded with Future.” Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies 17, no. 1 (2020). 

• AI Summary: This article, while not directly addressing fascism or white nationalism, proposes a “rhetoric loaded with future” that aims to envision transformative social change. Its focus on shaping future possibilities through language offers a counterpoint to the often backward-looking and fear-driven rhetoric characteristic of fascist and white nationalist movements.

 

Massanari, Adrienne L. 2024. Gaming Democracy: How Silicon Valley Leveled Up the Far Right. MIT Press.

• AI Summary: Adrienne L. Massanari’s Gaming Democracy (2024) examines how online gaming culture and Silicon Valley ideologies of meritocracy and free speech absolutism have facilitated the rise and mainstreaming of far‑right movements. Drawing on case studies—from Gamergate and Donglegate to r/The_Donald and the “Big Lie”—she shows how extremist actors “game” platform algorithms and exploit social media’s design to foster community, spread memes, and weaponize humor and geek masculinity. Massanari argues that platforms structured by opaque algorithmic amplification inadvertently privilege authoritarian rhetoric, enabling far‑right content to flourish under the guise of play and technoculture. She concludes by calling for greater accountability from tech companies and media institutions, and for democratic interventions to reclaim digital spaces from extremist metagaming.

 

Mejia, Robert, Kay Beckerman, and Curtis Sullivan. “White Lies: A Racial History of the (Post)Truth.” Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies 15, no. 2 (2018): 109-126. https://doi.org/10.1080/14791420.2018.1456668

• AI Summary: “In this article, Mejia, Beckermann, and Sullivan critique the notion of a “post-truth era,” arguing that the current climate of misinformation and emotional appeals in political discourse is not a new phenomenon but rather a continuation of longstanding racial biases embedded in American society. They contend that the term “post-truth” obscures the historical realities of racism and the manipulation of truth to uphold white supremacy. Through case studies of American drug and housing policies, the authors demonstrate how these policies have been constructed and justified through narratives that marginalize people of color and reinforce racial hierarchies. By examining these historical contexts, the article challenges the idea that we are entering a new era of truth manipulation, highlighting instead that the manipulation of truth has always been a tool for maintaining racial inequality. “

 

McDermott, Victoria, Amy May, Leandra H. Hernández, et al. 2022. “Stand down: A Journal of Applied Communication Research Forum on Extremism and White Nationalism in the United States Military.” Journal of Applied Communication Research, September 3. world. https://nca.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00909882.2022.2128620.

• AI Summary: McDermott, May, Hernández, and colleagues convene a forum to assess how extremism and white nationalism have infiltrated the U.S. military, emphasizing communication as the critical domain for understanding, disrupting, and mitigating these ideologies. They analyze the Department of Defense’s “stand-down” initiatives, policy updates, and intervention strategies—such as updated training, recruitment screening, and insider-threat systems—as frontline responses to extremist presence within the ranks. The contributors stress that although extremist incidents are relatively rare, even isolated cases can critically undermine unit cohesion, readiness, and trust. Ultimately, the forum calls for sustained, interdisciplinary research and institutional commitment to build resilient military cultures that actively counter internal threats to democratic values.

 

Mercieca, J. R. (2019). Dangerous Demagogues and Weaponized Communication. Rhetoric Society Quarterly, 49(3), 264–279. https://doi.org/10.1080/02773945.2019.1610640

• AI Summary: Mercieca analyzes how contemporary political figures function as “dangerous demagogues” by weaponizing communication strategies such as polarizing narratives, emotional manipulation, and facilitated echo chambers. He highlights how these demagogues exploit rhetorical devices—like scapegoating and crisis framing—to build in-group loyalty and justify exclusionary policies. The essay emphasizes that such leaders not only distort democratic dialogue but actively dismantle its procedural foundations by privileging affect over reason. Mercieca ultimately calls for critical awareness and rhetorical education to inoculate publics against manipulative political communication.

 

Mikkelsen, Sage, and Sarah Kornfield. “Girls Gone Fundamentalist: Feminine Appeals of White Christian Nationalism.” Women’s Studies in Communication 44, no. 4 (2021). 

• AI Summary: This article specifically focuses on “white Christian nationalism” by analyzing its “feminine appeals.” It examines how female figures and traditional gender roles are strategically leveraged within these movements to attract and retain followers, thus exploring a key aspect of how white nationalist ideologies perpetuate themselves.

 

Miller, David. “Nationalism,” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, June 19, 2025. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/nationalism/ 

 

Monk-Payton, Brandy. “” Look at My African American”: On Authoritarian Populism, Blackness, and Celebrity.” JCMS: Journal of Cinema and Media Studies 63, no. 2 (2024): 162-168.

• AI Summary: Brandy Monk‑Payton examines Donald Trump’s strategic use of Blackness and celebrity culture to validate his populist, authoritarian image. She analyzes his 2015 SNL appearance and campaign stunts—like pointing to a Black attendee—demonstrating how appropriation of hip-hop aesthetics and public visibility of Black figures served to soften his image while reinforcing racial hierarchies. Drawing on examples from hip-hop shout-outs in the 1990s to contemporary Black Trump supporters, Monk‑Payton illustrates how Trump leveraged racialized celebritization as a discursive tool within white nationalist populism. She argues that this symbolic deployment of Black figures functions as both veneer and foil—bolstering his appeal while simultaneously reinforcing white supremacist epistemologies.

 

Mookerjea, Sourayan. “Renewable Energy Transition under Multiple Colonialisms: Passive Revolution, Fascism Redux and Utopian Praxes.” Cultural Studies 33, no. 3 (2019). 

• AI Summary: This article links the “renewable energy transition” to the potential for “fascism redux” by examining how its implementation under “multiple colonialisms” could lead to centralized control or exclusionary practices reminiscent of fascist tendencies. It questions whether this transition, despite its environmental goals, could inadvertently perpetuate forms of authoritarianism.

 

Muller, S. Marek, David Rooney, and Cecilia Cerja. “Long live the Liver King: right-wing carnivorism and the digital dissemination of primal rhetoric.” Frontiers in Communication 9 (2024): https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/communication/articles/10.3389/fcomm.2024.1338653/full

• AI Summary: Muller, Rooney, and Cerja (2024) analyze how online influencers like “Liver King” and the “Raw Egg Nationalist” use the Carnivore Diet as a vehicle for right-wing, cisheteronormative, white nationalist rhetoric—a phenomenon they term “primal rhetoric.” Based on social media content from 2020–2023, they show how these figures blend hegemonic masculinity, conspiratorial distrust of modern food systems, and spiritualized appeals to ancestral vitality to cultivate a digital cult of carnivorism. The authors argue this “primal rhetorical network” functions as an ideological pipeline: entry-level wellness messaging by charismatic influencers opens the door to more extreme, explicitly racist ideologies. Ultimately, the study reveals how food and body politics—the performance of eating raw meat, testicles, organs—operate as affective tools to normalize authoritarian identitarian systems disguised as health movements.

 

Muller, S. Marek, David Rooney, and Z. Zane McNeill. “Blood, Soil, and Tofu: Diagonalism and the Rhetorical Constitution of Far-Right Veganism.” Western Journal of Communication (2025): 1-23.

• AI Summary: Muller, Rooney, and McNeill examine the emerging phenomenon of far-right veganism in the U.S. and Western Europe, where plant-based lifestyles are entwined with white nationalist and eco-fascist ideologies. Applying the concept of “diagonalism,” they identify three core rhetorical strategies: wooganism (the idealization of a primitive, rural way of life), strategic anti-speciesism (weaponizing concern for animals as evidence of moral superiority), and the blood–soil connection (linking ancestry, land, and bodily purity). They argue that digital media platforms accelerate the spread of this hybrid ideology, transforming vegan rhetoric into a tool for radicalization and identity formation within extremist networks. The authors conclude by urging proponents of veganism to develop an explicitly anti-speciesist and liberationist counter-narrative to prevent its appropriation by authoritarian movements.

 

Murray, Jeffrey W. 1998.  “Constructing the Ordinary: the Dialectical Development of Nazi Ideology.” Communication Quarterly

• AI Summary: Jeffrey W. Murray’s 1998 article, “Constructing the Ordinary: The Dialectical Development of Nazi Ideology,” explores how Nazi propaganda worked by embedding extremist ideas within seemingly mundane, everyday discourse. He argues that this dialectic process normalizes radical ideology not through overt messaging, but by weaving it into ordinary language, social norms, and cultural practices. By scrutinizing this rhetorical integration, Murray reveals how banal language becomes a conduit for ideological radicalization. His analysis underscores the power of everyday communication to shape political realities—and how seemingly innocuous discourse can become a vector for extremist belief systems.

 

Nasi, Francesco. “The Crisis of the Democratic Imaginary: How Anti-Democratic Imaginaries Foster Democratic Malaise.” Communication and Democracy 59, no. 1 (2025): 205-225. https://doi.org/10.1080/27671127.2024.2434035

• AI Summary: “In this article, Francesco Nasi explores how certain contemporary social imaginaries—specifically the technocratic, neoliberal, and anti-political imaginaries—undermine the functioning of liberal democracies. He argues that while liberal democracy remains a widely accepted ideal, these anti-democratic imaginaries contribute to democratic malaise by fostering disillusionment and disengagement among citizens. Nasi emphasizes the importance of addressing these imaginaries to reinvigorate democratic practices and institutions.”

 

​​Neville-Shepard, Ryan. “Post-presumption argumentation and the post-truth world: On the conspiracy rhetoric of Donald Trump.” Argumentation and Advocacy 55, no. 3 (2019): 175-193.

• AI Summary: Ryan Neville-Shepard’s 2019 article examines how Donald Trump introduced a form of “post-presumption argumentation” that disrupts democratic discourse norms by undercutting key procedural presumptions—the presumption of veracity, institutional trust, and commitment to deliberation. By deploying conspiracy rhetoric without evidence, attacking the credibility of mainstream institutions, and dismissing reasoned debate, Trump normalized a mode of argument where truth and burden of proof are constantly shifted. This form of communication rejects collective processes of verification and encourages audiences to rely on gut feelings rather than factual evaluation. Neville-Shepard argues that this shift fundamentally destabilizes democratic communication and paves the way for authoritarian leadership styles that thrive on suspicion and emotional resonance.

 

Neville-Shepard, Ryan. “Trump and the Truthers: Populist Demophobia and the Sandy Hook Conspiracy Theory.” Critical Studies in Media Communication, 2025 https://doi.org/10.1080/15295036.2025.2517016

• AI Summary: “Neville-Shepard explores how Trump’s populist rhetoric, characterized by a distrust of elites and mainstream narratives, has contributed to the normalization and spread of conspiracy theories. He argues that Trump’s political discourse has emboldened conspiracy theorists, providing them with a platform and a sense of legitimacy. The article delves into the specific case of the Sandy Hook conspiracy theory, analyzing how it has been utilized within the broader context of populist demophobia—the fear and suspicion of elites and established institutions. By examining the rhetorical strategies employed by Trump and his supporters, Neville-Shepard highlights the dangers of populist demophobia in undermining public trust in factual information and democratic institutions. The article calls for a critical examination of the ways in which political rhetoric can facilitate the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories, urging communication scholars and educators to address these issues in their work.”

 

O’Connor, Clare. “The Angel as Wish Image: Justin Bieber, Popular Culture, and the Politics of Absolution.” Communication, Culture and Critique 14, no. 3 (September 2021): 471–486. 

• AI Summary: This article explores how popular culture figures like Justin Bieber function as an “angel as wish image,” contributing to a “politics of absolution,” a concept not directly tied to fascism or white nationalism. However, the dynamics of collective desire and redemption within popular culture could, in other contexts, be manipulated by demagogic or authoritarian figures.

 

Onwumechili, Chuka. “Donald Trump’s America: Communicating the Seeds of Racism, Xenophobia, & Persistent Conflict.” Howard Journal of Communications 33, no. 2 (2022). 

• AI Summary: This article directly addresses the communicative strategies of Donald Trump that “communicat[e] the seeds of racism, xenophobia, & persistent conflict,” themes often central to white nationalist and proto-fascist rhetoric. It analyzes how his language actively cultivated and normalized discriminatory attitudes, contributing to social divisions.

 

Ott, Brian L. “The Age of Twitter: Donald J. Trump and the Politics of Debasement.” Critical Studies in Media Communication 34, no. 1 (2017). 

• AI Summary: This article examines “Donald J. Trump and the Politics of Debasement” on Twitter, a communication style that, while not explicitly fascist, parallels methods used by authoritarian figures to undermine democratic norms and institutions. Trump’s use of aggressive and dehumanizing rhetoric on social media shares characteristics with the propaganda tactics employed by fascist movements.

 

Paik, A. Naomi. “Abolitionist Sanctuary under Trump 2.0.” Communication, Culture and Critique 18, no. 2 (June 2025): 144–146.

• AI Summary: This article discusses “abolitionist sanctuary under Trump 2.0,” a concept of resistance against policies that could lead to increased authoritarianism and the repression of marginalized groups, often associated with the goals of white nationalism. It addresses the importance of creating spaces of refuge in a political climate where restrictive and potentially discriminatory policies might be intensified.

 

Paliewicz, Nicholas S., and Emma Frances Bloomfield. “Of markets, masks, and (white) men: Mimetic performances of parasitic publicity during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Women’s Studies in Communication 46, no. 1 (2023): 65-86.

• AI Summary: Paliewicz and Bloomfield analyze the anti-masking and anti-vaccination subreddit r/NoNewNormal as a “parasitic public” that spreads ideologies of autonomy, militancy, and victimization to assert white masculinity’s dominance, often through provocative online and offline performances. They introduce the concept of “indecent public exposure” (IPE) to describe how bare-faced displays of masculinity reject public health measures and sensationally violate decorum to gain attention. Their analysis highlights how these symbolic and affective strategies reinforce neoliberal individualism and racialized identity politics, framing mask mandates as threats to white masculine autonomy. Ultimately, they warn that this mimetic rhetoric transforms public health into a battleground for identity, erodes collective responsibility, and normalizes toxic performances of power.

 

Peck, Reece. 2025. “More than Money and Algorithms: The Cultural Roots of Trump’s Alt-Media Strategy.” Communication, Culture and Critique 18 (2): 130–33. https://doi.org/10.1093/ccc/tcaf010.

• AI Summary: Reece Peck’s “More than Money and Algorithms” explores Trump’s 2024 “alt‑media strategy,” arguing it extends far beyond mere financial or algorithmic influence. He emphasizes that Trump’s deep, historical relationship with alternative online political media—rooted in the 2016 campaign—was key to his second presidential victory, contrasting with Democrats’ late attempts to engage such platforms. The article highlights how Trump and his aligned figures (e.g., podcast hosts, influencers) cultivated long-term parasocial connections, embedding themselves within alt-media ecosystems that trusted and amplified their messaging. Peck concludes that communication scholars should adopt a cultural-genealogical lens to fully grasp the structural power and democratic implications of MAGA’s media dominance.

 

Phillips, Kendall R. “‘The Safest Hands Are Our Own’: Cinematic Affect, State Cruelty, and the Election of Donald J. Trump.” Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies 15, no. 1 (2018). 

• AI Summary: This article analyzes how “cinematic affect” and themes like “‘The Safest Hands Are Our Own’” contribute to a political climate susceptible to leaders like Donald Trump, whose rhetoric can align with aspects of nationalism and authoritarianism. It explores how cultural narratives can legitimize state cruelty and resonate with a desire for strong, insular leadership, themes that can be leveraged by proto-fascist movements.

 

Ramasubramanian, Srividya, and Caitlin Miles. “White Nationalist Rhetoric, Neoliberal Multiculturalism and Colour Blind Racism: Decolonial Critique of Richard Spencer’s Campus Visit.” Javnost – The Public 25, no. 4 (2018). 

• AI Summary: This article provides a “decolonial critique of Richard Spencer’s campus visit,” directly addressing “white nationalist rhetoric” and its interplay with “neoliberal multiculturalism and color-blind racism.” It argues that seemingly benign approaches to diversity can inadvertently create space for white nationalist ideas to gain traction by denying the persistence of systemic racism.

 

Reeves, Joshua. “Rhetoric, Violence, and the Subject of Civility.” Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies 19, no. 1 (2022): 91-108. https://doi.org/10.1080/14791420.2022.2030062

• AI Summary: “In this article, Joshua Reeves examines the relationship between rhetoric and violence through the lens of cultural governance. He argues that authorities and institutions cultivate deliberative rhetorical norms to regulate citizens’ political conduct. The opposition between rhetoric and violence is utilized as a “police logic” to suppress radical political action. This logic not only suppresses physical violence but also expands the conceptual domain of violence, leading to the criminalization of certain subjects deemed as violent. Reeves’ analysis highlights how the construction of civility serves as a mechanism for maintaining social order and marginalizing dissenting voices.”

 

Salazar, Philippe-Joseph. “The Alt-Right as a Community of Discourse.” Javnost – The Public 25, no. 1-2 (2018). 

• AI Summary: This article directly analyzes “The Alt-Right as a Community of Discourse,” providing insight into a significant contemporary white nationalist movement. It examines the shared language, symbols, and communication practices that define the Alt-Right, illustrating how they form a cohesive group to spread their ideology.

 

Salek, Thomas A. “Deflecting Deliberation through Rhetorical Nihilism: ‘Stop the Steal’ as an Unethical and Intransigent Rival Public.” Communication and Democracy 57, no. 1 (2023): 94-118. https://doi.org/10.1080/27671127.2023.2202744

• AI Summary: “In this article, Thomas A. Salek analyzes the “Stop the Steal” movement, which emerged following the 2020 U.S. presidential election, and its impact on democratic deliberation. Salek argues that the movement constituted a “rival public”—an alternative discourse community that actively deflected rational debate and democratic engagement. He introduces the concept of “rhetorical nihilism” to describe the movement’s argumentative strategy, where any means are employed to discredit opposing viewpoints and institutions, thereby undermining the public sphere. Salek identifies three primary tactics used by the “Stop the Steal” movement: Conspiratorial Rhetoric: Promoting baseless claims about election fraud to sow distrust; Misinformation and Disinformation: Spreading false or misleading information to confuse and mislead the public; and Paralipsis via Rhetorical Questions: Using rhetorical questions to imply wrongdoing without providing evidence. Salek concludes that these strategies were employed not to foster democratic discourse but to disrupt it, highlighting the challenges posed by such movements to the functioning of a healthy democratic society.”

 

Schaefer, Donovan O. “Whiteness and Civilization: Shame, Race, and the Rhetoric of Donald Trump.” Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies 17, no. 1 (2020). 

• AI Summary: This article examines “Whiteness and Civilization” in relation to “shame, race, and the rhetoric of Donald Trump,” directly connecting to white nationalist sentiments. It explores how Trump’s discourse tapped into anxieties about the perceived decline of “whiteness” and its associated “civilizational” values, thereby mobilizing support from those drawn to a defense of white identity.

 

Seelig, Michelle, Sandra Kuebler, Daniel Verdear, Ashley Hemm, Kamal Premaratne, John Funchion, Ruth Trego, Songyi Liang, Stefan Wuchty, Amanda Diekman, Manohar Murthi, and Huixin Deng. “White Genocide Conspiracy: A Rhetorical Vision of Fear and Hate on Twitter (Now X).” Review of Communication 25, no. 3 (2025).

• AI Summary: This article directly addresses a core tenet of white nationalist ideology, the “White Genocide Conspiracy,” analyzing it as a “rhetorical vision of fear and hate” on Twitter (now X). It examines how this conspiracy theory is constructed and disseminated through specific communication patterns on the platform, mobilizing fear and resentment.

 

Serazio, Michael. “Encoding the Paranoid Style in American Politics: ‘Anti-Establishment’ Discourse and Power in Contemporary Spin.” Critical Studies in Media Communication 33, no. 2 (2016): 181-194. https://doi.org/10.1080/15295036.2016.1174338

• AI Summary: “In this article, Serazio analyzes how contemporary political discourse employs a “paranoid style”—a term coined by historian Richard Hofstadter in 1964 to describe a particular mode of political rhetoric characterized by suspicion, conspiracy theories, and a dichotomous worldview. Serazio examines how political figures and media outlets use this style to construct an “anti-establishment” narrative that positions elites as corrupt and the public as victims of manipulation. Through a combination of textual analysis and interviews with political consultants, he explores how this rhetoric serves to mobilize support by tapping into public fears and frustrations, thereby consolidating power and influencing public opinion.”

 

Skinnell, R., & Murphy, J. (2019). Rhetoric’s Demagogue | Demagoguery’s Rhetoric: An Introduction. Rhetoric Society Quarterly, 49(3), 225–232. https://doi.org/10.1080/02773945.2019.1610636

• AI Summary: Skinnell and Murphy’s introduction explores the symbiotic relationship between demagoguery and rhetoric, proposing that demagogues aren’t just users of persuasive language but products of rhetorical environments. They argue that rhetorical styles—rooted in repetition, simplification, emotional appeal, and performative authenticity—both shape and are shaped by demagogic leaders. The piece contextualizes this interaction historically and theoretically, situating demagoguery within democratic systems rather than outside them. Ultimately, they emphasize that examining rhetoric’s role is essential for understanding how demagogues emerge, gain traction, and threaten democratic norms.

 

Smith, Hannah, and Casey Ryan Kelly. “White Nationalist Fairytales: The Little Mermaid and Neo-Segregation in the Breitbart Town Square.” Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies. 

• AI Summary: This article critically analyzes how “white nationalist fairytales,” exemplified by “The Little Mermaid,” are reinterpreted to promote “neo-segregation” within the “Breitbart Town Square” media environment. It illustrates how seemingly innocent cultural narratives can be repurposed to reinforce ideas of racial purity and separation, central to white nationalist agendas.

 

Sobre, Miriam S., and Mark P. Orbe. “Introduction: Academic Freedom and Critical Pedagogy in an Age of Educational Intimidation.” Communication and Democracy 59, no. 1 (2025): 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1080/27671127.2025.2482595

• AI Summary: “In this article, Sobre and Orbe examine the contemporary challenges to academic freedom and critical pedagogy in educational environments increasingly characterized by political pressures and ideological control. They discuss how such pressures undermine the foundational principles of higher education, including the pursuit of knowledge, critical inquiry, and the fostering of democratic engagement. The authors call for a renewed commitment to defending academic freedom and promoting critical pedagogical practices that encourage open dialogue, diverse perspectives, and the questioning of dominant narratives. They argue that these efforts are essential for the health of democratic societies and the advancement of social justice.”

 

Sobre, Miriam S., and Ariel Seals. “The Rhetorical Strategies of Educational Intimidation: The Chilling Effects of Anti-DEI Legislation at a Hispanic Serving Institution in Texas.” Communication and Democracy 59, no. 1 (2025): 31-55. https://doi.org/10.1080/27671127.2025.2488349

• AI Summary: “In this article, Sobre and Seals examine the impact of anti-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) legislation on a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) in Texas. They identify several rhetorical strategies employed by policymakers and institutional actors to intimidate educators and students, thereby suppressing open discourse on race, identity, and social justice in academic settings. The authors argue that these rhetorical tactics contribute to a “chilling effect,” where educators and students self-censor to avoid potential legal and professional consequences. This environment undermines the core values of higher education, particularly in institutions serving marginalized communities, by stifling critical dialogue and the pursuit of social justice.”

 

Soto-Vásquez, Arthur D. 2025. “Laboratory of Reaction: SB 17 in Texas, the Anti-DEI Movement, and Implications for Higher Education.” Communication Education, July 3. world. https://nca.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03634523.2025.2522760.

• AI Summary: Arthur D. Soto‑Vásquez’s article frames Texas Senate Bill 17 as a “laboratory of reaction,” tracing how right‑wing think tanks and ideological networks orchestrated the anti‑DEI movement to reshape higher education policy. He explores how SB 17 systematically dismantles campus diversity, equity, and inclusion offices by banning positions, statements, and trainings under vague definitions, while carving narrow exemptions for academic and compliance purposes. Soto‑Vásquez argues that this legislative shift undermines institutional commitments to social justice and is emblematic of a broader backlash against civic inclusion in public universities. The piece concludes by highlighting the urgent need for scholars and educators to critically examine these transformations and defend the democratic role of higher education.

 

Van Schenck, Reed. 2023. “‘Remaking the World Memetically’: Interrogating White Nationalist Subject Formation through the Circulation of the ‘Wagecuck’ Meme.” Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies 20 (3): 375–95. https://doi.org/10.1080/14791420.2023.2228867.

• AI Summary: Reed Van Schenck’s essay examines the “wagecuck” meme—a satirical image popularized on 4chan—as a visual and rhetorical tool that mobilizes white nationalist anxieties about class, race, and sexuality. Through a materialist rhetorical analysis, Van Schenck shows the meme frames the white working‑class man as a “wage‑slave” whose sense of worth is tied to white identity and the derision of out‑groups, particularly racial minorities. The circulation of the meme constructs a fantasy of racial agency, offering emotional validation through shared feelings of degradation and resentment. Ultimately, he demonstrates how even lowbrow digital visuals can coalesce collective extremist subjectivities, making the meme an effective mechanism for ideological radicalization.

 

Vats, Anjali, and Mohan J. Dutta. 2020. “Locating Freedom of Speech in an Era of Global White Nationalism.” First Amendment Studies 54 (2): 156–80. https://doi.org/10.1080/21689725.2020.1838843.

• AI Summary: Anjali Vats and Mohan J. Dutta examine how freedom of speech operates within a global resurgence of white nationalism, critiquing the dominant First Amendment discourse that treats free speech as an absolute individual right. They argue that this framing often obscures the structural and cross-border harms perpetuated by hate speech and white supremacist ideologies. By tracing discourse in countries like the U.S., Australia, and the U.K., they highlight how formal protections for speech can inadvertently bolster extremist narratives under the guise of liberal freedoms. Ultimately, the authors call for a reimagined speech framework—one rooted in social justice and contextual accountability—to challenge how free expression can be weaponized in transnational white nationalist projects.

 

Vivian, B. (2021). The Incitement: An Account of Language, Power, and Fascism. Rhetoric Society Quarterly, 51(5), 361–376. https://doi.org/10.1080/02773945.2021.1972134

• AI Summary: Bradford Vivian conceptualizes “the incitement” as a subtle rhetorical mechanism by which modern institutions prompt individuals to articulate sanctioned truths about themselves to authorities—a linguistic precondition for fascism. Drawing on twentieth-century structuralists like Foucault, Barthes, and Lévi-Strauss, he argues that ordinary speech acts, shaped by institutional power, can cultivate compliance and collective power dynamics. This phenomenon operates beneath overt propaganda, embedding fascist structures through everyday language rather than explicit ideology. Vivian concludes by calling for research that examines these latent language-based processes to better detect and counter emerging authoritarian tendencies.

 

Volčič, Zala. “Yugo-Nostalgia: Cultural Memory and Media in the Former Yugoslavia.” Critical Studies in Media Communication 24, no. 1 (2007) 21-38. https://doi.org/10.1080/07393180701214496

• AI Summary: “In this article, Volčič examines the phenomenon of Yugo-nostalgia—an emotional longing for the former country of Yugoslavia—experienced by some individuals in its successor countries. She explores how media and other cultural practices are mobilized in former-Yugoslav communities to recreate a shared cultural memory. Yugo-nostalgia paradoxically harkens back to a shared cultural history, even as it provides the raw material for new forms of national identities that continue to divide the former-Yugoslav republics. Volčič discusses how elements of the socialist past, such as the image of Josip Broz Tito, are appropriated in contemporary media and advertising to evoke a sense of unity and nostalgia. For instance, in 1999, a Slovenian advertisement used Tito’s image to market luxury cars, symbolizing the country’s transition to a consumer society while simultaneously invoking the utopian aspirations of the past. This appropriation reflects a complex relationship with the past, where nostalgia for a perceived better time is intertwined with current socio-political realities. The article delves into the complexities of collective memory, highlighting how media representations of the past can both unite and divide. While Yugo-nostalgia fosters a sense of shared history and identity, it also underscores the challenges of post-Yugoslav nationalisms and the ongoing process of redefining national identities in the region.”

 

Waltman, Michael S. 2018. “The Normalizing of Hate Speech and How Communication Educators Should Respond.” Communication Education, April 3. world. https://nca.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03634523.2018.1430370.

• AI Summary: Michael S. Waltman argues that hate speech has become increasingly normalized through everyday communication, media framing, and the erosion of social taboos, making it a pervasive element in public discourse. He contends that this normalization not only diminishes empathy and respect across social groups but also creates an environment where extremist rhetoric can flourish. To counter this trend, Waltman proposes that communication educators integrate critical analysis of hate speech into their curricula—teaching students to recognize, critique, and challenge these harmful discursive patterns. He emphasizes that educators must foster reflective and inclusive communication environments to safeguard democratic engagement and social cohesion.

 

Wander, Philip. “The Aesthetics of Fascism.” Journal of Communication 33, no. 2 (June 1983): 70–78. 

• AI Summary: This article directly analyzes “The Aesthetics of Fascism,” exploring how fascist movements historically employed visual and symbolic elements to convey their ideology and mobilize support. It examines the characteristic stylistic choices in fascist art, propaganda, and rituals, and how these aesthetics were designed to evoke specific emotions and create a unified, disciplined collective.

 

Warner, Benjamin R., and Ryan Neville-Shepard. “Echoes of a conspiracy: Birthers, truthers, and the cultivation of extremism.” Communication Quarterly 62, no. 1 (2014): 1-17.

• AI Summary: Benjamin R. Warner and Ryan Neville-Shepard examine how conspiracy movements—specifically birthers (who questioned Obama’s birthplace) and truthers (who doubted the official 9/11 narrative)—demonstrate structural similarities in how conspiracy theories foster extremist tendencies. They trace how both ideologies disseminate through echo chambers and rhetorical structures that delegitimize expert knowledge and encourage distrust in institutions. The authors argue that these conspiracy communities create affective environments marked by certainty, suspicion, and moral outrage, which, over time, can mobilize individuals toward extremist beliefs or actions. Ultimately, they warn that such conspiracy-driven discourse challenges democratic norms by normalizing anti-institutional sentiment and undermining epistemic consensus.

 

Wernecke, Christopher J. “Mythologizing Madiba: Myth, Resistance, and the Globalized Post-Presidency in Barack Obama’s Nelson Mandela Lecture Series Address.” Howard Journal of Communications 34, no. 2 (March 15, 2023): 132–50. https://doi.org/10.1080/10646175.2022.2101163

• AI Summary: Christopher Wernecke analyzes Barack Obama’s 2018 Nelson Mandela Lecture in Johannesburg to explore how post-presidential rhetoric can construct political figures as global symbolic figures. He shows that by infusing Mandela’s legacy with universal values—justice, resistance, active citizenship—Obama positions himself within a transnational lineage of moral leadership that transcends national politics. Wernecke argues this rhetorical move mythologizes “Madiba” as an archetype of resistance while also consolidating Obama’s own moral authority on the world stage. The essay highlights how the globalized post-presidency deploys mythic identification to shape both collective memory and contemporary political legitimacy.

 

Wernecke, Christopher J. “Priming ‘American Carnage:’ Reality Television and Donald J. Trump.” Critical Studies in Media Communication 41, no. 4 (2024): 334–48.

• AI Summary: Christopher Wernecke explores how Donald Trump evangelized his campaign and presidency by adopting the aesthetics and emotional logic of reality television. He argues that the formulaic tropes of shows like The Apprentice—competition, drama, audience engagement—were repurposed to “prime” the public for Trump’s MAGA messaging, making authoritarian rhetoric feel familiar and entertaining. Wernecke contends that this media strategy shaped citizen reception, normalizing division and grievance as emotionally resonant formats rather than policy discourse. His analysis highlights how blending entertainment and political identity fundamentally altered democratic communication, embedding spectacle within the very fabric of governance.

 

Wernecke, Christopher J., and Virginia Massignan. “‘Is This Real? Or Has This Been Happening inside My Head?’ The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as a Constructed Site of (Artificial) Collective Memory, Identity, and Resistance.” Communication and Democracy 57, no. 2 (July 3, 2023): 230–51. https://doi.org/10.1080/27671127.2023.2250428.

• AI Summary: Christopher J. Wernecke and Virginia Massignan examine the Harry Potter franchise as a deliberately constructed site for collective memory, identity formation, and political resistance within popular culture. They explore how readers and fans participate in “artificial” memory creation—recollecting and interpreting the Wizarding World as if it were a lived reality—through ongoing engagement with its characters, themes, and moral narratives. The authors argue that the series’ symbolic frameworks (e.g., “resistance vs. authoritarianism,” solidarity across differences) enable fans to adopt fantasy-based referents as real-world ethical guides and communal ties. Ultimately, they highlight how fiction can function as a participatory public sphere—enabling audiences to co-construct shared narratives that support identity, meaning, and critical reflection in contemporary democracy.

 

Willard, Zane Austin. “Ambivalent Surveillance: Teaching in the Times of Anti-Woke.” Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies 22, no. 1 (2025): 67-84. https://doi.org/10.1080/14791420.2024.2439410

• AI Summary: “In this article, Zane Austin Willard examines the current landscape of public education in the United States, focusing on the impact of anti-woke legislation and its implications for educators. Willard introduces the concept of “ambivalent surveillance” to describe the dual role educators play under these laws: simultaneously complicit and resistant. He argues that such legislation, particularly in states like Florida, creates a racialized surveillance regime that censors discussions on race and racial issues, thereby enforcing a white-centric narrative in classrooms. Educators, especially those of color, find themselves navigating a precarious balance between adhering to institutional policies and upholding their commitment to teaching about race and racial justice. The article highlights the emotional and professional challenges faced by teachers under these constraints and discusses strategies for resistance within the classroom.”

 

Woods, Heather Suzanne, and Leslie A. Hahner. 2022. Make America Meme Again: The Rhetoric of the Alt-Right. Peter Lang Inc.

• AI Summary: Heather Suzanne Woods and Leslie A. Hahner’s Make America Meme Again: The Rhetoric of the Alt‑Right (2022) examines how the alt‑right harnesses memes and digital humor as rhetorical tools to disseminate extremist ideologies and reshape public discourse. By dissecting viral memes and online interactions, the authors demonstrate how humor, irony, and coded references serve to normalize white nationalist ideas while offering plausible deniability. The book reveals how this memetic strategy fosters in-group belonging, downplays seriousness, and manipulates affect to recruit and radicalize audiences. Ultimately, Woods and Hahner argue that decoding this rhetorical environment is crucial for understanding and countering the cultural influence of the alt‑right.

 

Zou, Sheng. “When Nationalism Meets Hip-Hop: Aestheticized Politics of Ideotainment in China.” Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies 16, no. 3 (2019): 178-195. https://doi.org/10.1080/14791420.2019.1637008

• AI Summary: “In this article, Sheng Zou examines the intersection of grassroots youth culture and state-led ideological efforts in China, focusing on the patriotic hip-hop music videos produced by the Chinese youth band CD Rev. Zou analyzes how the Chinese government co-opts popular cultural formats, particularly hip-hop, to promote state-centric ideology. By integrating symbols of both tradition and modernity, these music videos aim to localize and sanitize hip-hop as a medium of propaganda. The study discusses the limitations of such co-optative tactics, highlighting the tradeoff between ideological control and authentic expressivity, and the risk of de-sublimating cultural symbols for political persuasion.”