The alt-right, short for "alternative right," is a loosely connected, [far-right](https://doctorparadox.net/tag/right-wing/) political movement that originated in the United States in the early 2010s. It encompasses a range of ideologies and groups, but they typically share some core beliefs and values. It is important to note that the movement has been criticized for promoting [racism](https://doctorparadox.net/category/psychology/racism/), [[white supremacy]], [white nationalism](https://doctorparadox.net/save-democracy/right-wing-ideologies/white-nationalist-beliefs/), [[antisemitism]], and [[misogyny]]. ## Key features of the alt-right 1. **Ethno-nationalism**: A central tenet of the alt-right is the belief in the superiority and [supremacy](https://doctorparadox.net/dictionaries/what-is-supremacy/) of white, European culture and the need for racially homogenous societies. Many alt-right adherents espouse [[nationalism]] and advocate for policies that favor white people and limit immigration from non-white countries. 2. **Anti-globalism**: The alt-right generally opposes [[globalization]], seeing it as a threat to national identity and sovereignty. They often criticize international organizations, free trade agreements, and [[multiculturalism]], which they believe erode cultural distinctiveness. 3. **Anti-establishment sentiment**: The alt-right challenges mainstream [[conservative]] and [liberal](https://doctorparadox.net/dictionaries/authoritarianism/liberalism/) ideologies and often characterizes established political parties and institutions as corrupt or ineffective. The movement has been known to embrace [conspiracy theories](https://doctorparadox.net/why-do-people-believe-conspiracy-theories/) and distrust the mainstream media. 4. **Online presence**: The alt-right has been particularly active online, using [[social media]] platforms, message boards, and websites to share ideas and recruit new followers. [Memes](https://doctorparadox.net/dictionaries/hybrid-warfare/memes/), [[trolling]], and provocative content have been used to attract attention and spread their message. 5. **Gender roles**: Many in the alt-right movement express opposition to [[feminism]] and advocate for [traditional gender roles](https://doctorparadox.net/dictionaries/authoritarianism/strict-father-morality/), arguing that these are essential for maintaining social order and preserving cultural values. ## Figures of the alt-right The alt-right movement does not have a single founder, as it is a loose and decentralized collection of individuals and groups who share certain beliefs and ideas. However, some key figures have been influential in shaping and promoting the movement: 1. **[[Richard Spencer]]**: An American [white nationalist](https://doctorparadox.net/save-democracy/right-wing-ideologies/white-nationalist-beliefs/), Spencer is often credited with coining the term "alternative right" in 2008, which was later shortened to "alt-right." As the former president of the National Policy Institute, a white nationalist [[think tank]], and the editor of various alt-right publications, Spencer has been a prominent voice within the movement. 2. **Jared Taylor**: A white supremacist and founder of the American Renaissance, Taylor has long advocated for white [[nationalism]] and has been influential in shaping the alt-right's racial ideology. He has authored several books and articles espousing his views on race and intelligence. 3. **Paul Ramsey**: Also known as Ramzpaul, Ramsey is a popular alt-right commentator on [[social media]] platforms like YouTube. He has expressed white nationalist views and critiqued multiculturalism, [[feminism]], and other aspects of mainstream society. 4. **Andrew Anglin**: As the founder of the Daily Stormer, a neo-Nazi and white supremacist website, Anglin has been a prominent figure in the alt-right movement. The Daily Stormer is known for promoting [[antisemitism]] and for its racist content, often using provocative language and [memes](https://doctorparadox.net/dictionaries/hybrid-warfare/memes/) to attract attention. 5. **Milo Yiannopoulos**: A controversial figure, Yiannopoulos is a British political commentator who was once associated with the alt-right. He has since distanced himself from the movement, but his provocative and inflammatory rhetoric helped to popularize alt-right ideas in the early stages of the movement. Other important donors and benefactors to the alt-right include tech billionaire [[Peter Thiel]] and [[Donald Trump]] advisor [[Steve Bannon]]. While the alt-right gained considerable attention during the [2016 US presidential election](https://doctorparadox.net/category/politics/2016-election/), its influence has since waned. The movement remains fragmented and has faced increased scrutiny and opposition from both the public and private sectors. However, some of its ideas continue to influence far-right political discourse in the United States and around the world.