Extremist groups will use pandemic to advance agenda
Friday, May 1, 2020
Subject
Extremist and far-right activities.
Significance
Extremist far-right groups, fringe networks and militant organisations are actively using the COVID-19 crisis to mobilise support, spread disinformation and conspiracy theories, and incite violence through digital communication channels such as private chatrooms and encrypted messaging apps.
Impacts
- The pandemic will strengthen anti-minority, anti-immigrant and anti-free-movement lobbies in parts of the West.
- Effective crisis management and clear communication from governments would help build public confidence.
- Inflammatory or misleading statements by heads of state will deepen socio-political polarisation.