Fact check: What criteria do researchers use to categorize extremist groups as "right wing"?

1. Summary of the results

The criteria used by researchers to categorize extremist groups as "right wing" are multifaceted and can be identified through various analyses. According to ^[1], a working definition for violent right-wing extremism (VRWE) includes acts of violence and hatred motivated by ideologies based on the rejection of democratic order and values, as well as exclusionary nationalism, racism, xenophobia, and/or related intolerance ^[1]. Similarly, ^[1] provides a working definition of VRWE adopted by EU Member States, which includes acts of violence and hatred motivated by ideologies based on the rejection of democratic order and values, and centered on exclusionary nationalism, racism, xenophobia, and/or related intolerance ^[1]. The FBI's definition of domestic terrorism, as discussed in ^[2], includes violent, criminal acts committed by individuals or groups to further ideological goals stemming from domestic influences, such as those of a political, religious, social, racial, or environmental nature ^[2]. Additionally, ^[3] categorizes right-wing extremist movements in Europe into four main ideological subcurrents: Neo-Nazi movements, Anti-Islam and anti-migration movements, Identitarian movements, and Ultranationalist and neofascist movements, which can be used as criteria to identify right-wing extremist groups ^[3]. The characteristics of right-wing extremism in Germany, as described in ^[4], include elements of nationalist, antisemitic, racist, and xenophobic ideology, and a belief in the concept of an authoritarian state ^[4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A key aspect missing from the original statement is the nuanced understanding of the complexities of right-wing extremism, which can vary greatly across different regions and countries ^[3]. For instance, ^[5] notes that while both left- and right-wing extremist groups are antidemocratic and pose a danger to the country, right-wing groups have greater potential for mounting a significant effort due to their espousal of traditional American values ^[5]. Furthermore, the nexus between right-wing extremism and the military, as examined in ^[6] and ^[6], highlights the need to consider the role of military personnel in perpetrating or facilitating right-wing extremist violence ^[6]. Alternative viewpoints, such as those presented in ^[7], categorize terrorism into four broad categories: right-wing, left-wing, religious, and ethnonationalist, providing an overview of the threat from right-wing extremists, including white supremacists, anti-government extremists, and incels ^[7].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be subject to potential misinformation or bias, as it does not provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of right-wing extremism. The statement may benefit those who seek to oversimplify the issue of right-wing extremism, ignoring the nuances and variations across different regions and countries ^[5]. Additionally, the statement may be influenced by a lack of consideration of the role of military personnel in perpetrating or facilitating right-wing extremist violence, which is a crucial aspect of understanding the criteria used to categorize extremist groups as "right wing" ^[6]. The statement may also benefit those who seek to downplay the threat of right-wing extremism, by not providing a clear understanding of the characteristics and ideologies of right-wing extremist groups, such as those described in ^{[4] [4]}.