The Ripple of Radical Justifications: How Extremist Manifestos Inspire and Replicate Violence


Karmvir Padda, University of Waterloo

In recent years, the alarming rise in extremist violence across the globe has been underscored by tragic events such as the May 2022 Buffalo, United States, shooting, and the October 2022 Bratislava, Slovakia shooting. These incidents, though occurring in vastly different parts of the world, share a critical commonality – the use of manifestos by the perpetrators as a tool to articulate their twisted ideologies and justify their actions. Manifestos, with their intricate and ideologically dense content, offer invaluable insights into the motivations, ideologies, and justifications of extremists (Ebner et al., 2022; Kaldor, 2021; Kupper and Meloy, 2021; Siggery et al., 2023). They not only reflect the mindset of their authors but also serve as catalysts and inspiration for future acts of extremism. These documents, often overlooked in the broader discourse on terrorism, are instrumental in understanding the radicalization process and the pathways to violent extremism. This paper seeks to delve into the depths of these manifestos, offering an incisive look into the minds of extremists and the pernicious role these documents play in perpetuating cycles of violence. This study adopts a comprehensive qualitative comparative and thematic analysis to scrutinize these manifestos. By dissecting the specific language and concepts used, the paper aims to reveal how these texts justify violence and inspire others to similar acts of extremism. Central to this analysis is the application of C. Wright Mills vocabulary of motive, which provides a framework for understanding the cultural and ideological narratives woven into these documents. Additionally, the research draws on the insights of Corner and Gill (2015), who highlight the critical role of personal grievances, humiliation, and perceived threats in shaping extremist identities and justifications for violence. The study also delves into cognitive biases that encourage the selective adoption of extremist beliefs, solidifying radical ideologies. It particularly focuses on a blend of resentment, envy, and powerlessness, which is crucial in justifying violent extremism (Kaldor, 2021). In analyzing the manifestos from the Buffalo and Bratislava incidents, the paper uncovers significant parallels in content, style, and ideological influences. For instance, the manifesto associated with the Buffalo shooting, authored by Payton S. Gendron, reportedly plagiarized about 57 percent of its content from earlier extremist sources, including the Christchurch shooters manifesto. This pattern of ideological borrowing and adaptation is further exemplified in the Bratislava shooting, where 19-year-old Juraj Krajciks 65-page manifesto, titled “A Call to Arms”, echoed themes and styles from previous far-right extremist writings. This investigation goes beyond mere content analysis to explore how ideologies within these manifestos are strategically framed and presented to resonate with potential followers. Utilizing the theoretical frameworks of Goffman (1974) and Benford and Snow (2000), the study examines the communicative strategies employed in these documents, such as the use of question-and-answer formats and accelerationist themes. These elements are indicative of a broader pattern in extremist literature, highlighting the sophistication and strategic thinking behind these manifestos. In conclusion, the analysis of the manifestos from the Buffalo and Bratislava shootings demonstrates the pervasive influence of extremist ideologies across geographic boundaries, accelerated by the internet. This global interconnectivity of extremist narratives highlights the importance of Canadas expanded definition of terrorism, which now includes ideologies such as white supremacy and misogyny. As these ideologies increasingly transcend physical borders through digital means, Canadas approach to counter-terrorism must adapt to this evolving landscape. Recognizing the transnational nature of extremist threats and the role of online platforms in their propagation is crucial for Canada to develop effective, globally-aware counter-terrorism strategies, aligning with the countrys evolving policies and emphasizing the need for an inclusive, collaborative effort to address the complexities of modern extremism.

This paper will be presented at the following session: