Review of \u3cem\u3eKlansville, U.S.A.: The Rise and Fall of the Civil Rights-Era Ku Klux Klan\u3c/em\u3e

A review of Klansville, U.S.A.: The Rise and Fall of the Civil Rights–Era Ku Klux Klan by David Cunningham

Percolation-induced exponential scaling in the large current tails of random resistor networks

There is a renewed surge in percolation-induced transport properties of diverse nano-particle composites (cf. RSC Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Series, Paul O'Brien Editor-in-Chief). We note in particular a broad interest in nano-composites exhibiting sharp electrical property gains at and above percolation threshold, which motivated us to revisit the classical setting of percolation in random resistor networks but from a multiscale perspective. For each realization of random resistor networks above threshold, we use network graph representations and associated algorithms to identify and restrict to the percolating component, thereby preconditioning the network both in size and accuracy by filtering {\it a priori} zero current-carrying bonds. We then simulate many realizations per bond density and analyze scaling behavior of the complete current distribution supported on the percolating component. We first confirm the celebrated power-law distribution of small currents at the percolation threshold, and second we confirm results on scaling of the maximum current in the network that is associated with the backbone of the percolating cluster. These properties are then placed in context with global features of the current distribution, and in particular the dominant role of the large current tail that is most relevant for material science applications. We identify a robust, exponential large current tail that: 1. persists above threshold; 2. expands broadly over and dominates the current distribution at the expense of the vanishing power law scaling in the small current tail; and 3. by taking second moments, reproduces the experimentally observed power law scaling of bulk conductivity above threshold

Understanding Threats to Public Officials

Threats against public officials are ticking up, a disturbing trend that NCITE researchers are charting in a 10-year examination of federally investigated threats. Since 2013, researchers have counted 501 such threats, most resulting in conviction. Threats were most commonly made against members of the criminal justice system, from law enforcement officers to judges. Elected officials and those who run or manage elections comprised the second most-targeted category. Educators and healthcare workers also received threats. The following graphics show further analysis. It is important to note that the figures capture only federally charged cases. There is a high bar for such charges given Constitutional protections for political speech. Most threats, however, are not reported, and this analysis does not include threats that were reported to local authorities. The figures below nevertheless indicate a greater willingness nationally to threaten public officials. The research team is examining the extent to which that reflects a growing public acceptance of and tolerance for political violence — attitudes that threaten U.S. institutions and weaken democracy

The Culture of Violent Talk: An Interpretive Approach

One of the defining characteristics of extremist movements is the adherence to an ideology highly antagonistic to the status quo and one that permits or explicitly promotes the use of violence to achieve stated goals and to address grievances. For members of extremist groups, talk is one of the most concrete manifestations of how adherents communicate their ideas to each other and the general public. These discussions, however, do not necessarily involve a direct correspondence between words and future behavior. To better understand the culture of violent talk, we investigate how white supremacist extremists use these discussions as a rhetorical device that provides them with a sense of doing and an opportunity to express their frustrations and anger. Our analysis is grounded primarily in the ethnographic data we collected on a variety of US white supremacists since 1997. Our investigation offers important insight regarding the interactional qualities of extremist culture as well as policy implications regarding the assessment process

Understanding the Micro-Situational Dynamics of White Supremacist Violence in the United States

While substantial effort has been devoted to investigating the radicalization process and developing theories to explain why this occurs, surprisingly few studies offer explanations of the micro-situational factors that characterize how extremists accomplish violence. Relying on in-depth life history interviews with 89 former white supremacists, we analyzed the situational, emotional, and moral considerations surrounding white supremacist violence. Overall, we identified a variety of strategies white supremacists utilize for overcoming emotional and cognitive obstacles required to perform violent action. Furthermore, we also identified the callous effect of habitual violence. We conclude this article with suggestions for future research and recommendations for practitioners addressing terrorism prevention initiatives

Learning Disabilities and Delinquent Behaviors among Adolescents: A Comparison of Those with and without Comorbidity

Research is inconclusive on whether adolescents with learning disabilities (LD) engage in more delinquency than adolescents without such deficits. Mixed results may result from a failure to account for the effects of co-occurring disabilities. Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, this study examines delinquency among adolescents without disabilities to youth with LD, Attention Disorder Symptoms (ADS), and comorbid LD/ADS. Results indicate no significant differences in property offenses, or alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use; however, youth with LD reported significantly more violence than non-disabled youth. Findings illustrate the heterogeneous effects various disabilities have on delinquent behavior. Future research and policy implications will be discussed

Anger from Within: The Role of Emotions in Disengagement from Violent Extremism

There is growing recognition about the similarities between generic criminality and violent extremism. Using data derived from a unique set of in-depth life history interviews with 40 former U.S. white supremacists, as well as previous studies of criminal desistance, we examine the emotional valence that characterizes actors\u27 descriptions of the disengagement process. More specifically, results suggest that negative emotions (i.e., anger and frustration) directed toward the extremist group and oneself function as a catalyst for disengagement. Negative emotions become a source of motivation in re-evaluating the relative importance of the group as it relates to the individual. Ultimately, the reevaluation of the group is essential to the decision to disengage from violent extremism

On the Permissibility of Homicidal Violence: Perspectives from Former U.S. White Supremacists

Drawing upon in-depth life-history interviews with 91 North American-based former white supremacists, we examine how participants perceive homicidal violence as either an appropriate or inappropriate political strategy. Based on the current findings, participants considered homicidal violence as largely inappropriate due to moral concerns and its politically ineffective nature but also discussed how homicidal violence could be an appropriate defensive measure in RAHOWA (Racial Holy War) or through divine mandate. Capturing how white supremacists frame the permissibility of homicidal violence is a step toward better understanding the “upper limit” or thresholds for violence among members who are trying to construct and negotiate a collective identity that involves violent and aggressive worldviews

Findings and Implications from a Project on White Supremacist Entry and Exit Pathways

This Research Note provides an overview of the main findings from a project on white supremacist pathways - or why some individuals join and leave white supremacist groups - with a specific focus on elucidating common themes, theoretical applications, main takeaways, and providing recommendations for academics and policymakers. One key lesson is that identity is central to entry and exit pathways

Barriers to Family Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) of Mobilization Behaviors and Pre-Operational Planning: Report to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

As part of a NCITE funded project, the “Building Family Resilience as a Form of Terrorism Prevention focuses on how to support bystanders\u27 response to potential radicalization of someone they know and care about. While this project addresses the relationship among family members, the study has broader application to other types of bystanders such as K-12 educators, school counselors, and athletic coaches; all of whom are well positioned to prevent and intervene with youth radicalization. The project is focused on how relatives interpret potential “warning signs” and what, if any, action they pursue to address perceived radicalization. As part of this study, we assess whether relatives contact any governmental or non-governmental authorities to help address the issue