ABSTRACT
In this chapter we shall explore the nature and characteristics of organised hate groups. We shall begin by attempting to define what hate groups actually are, followed by a consideration of the common ideologies that permeate most hate groups and serve to ‘legitimise’ their beliefs and actions. The chapter will then examine existing hate groups in the United States before moving on to the history, activities and resurgence of the ‘far right’ in the UK and across Europe. While these represent a more virulent form of bigotry and hatred than has hitherto been discussed in this book, this chapter will also take this a step further with an examination of the most extreme of hate offenders and offences, namely those of genocide and mass hate.
