ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of various extremist groups, their ideologies, and some examples of violence attributable to them. I will present the groups along specific ideological frameworks. In this way, I will “classify” the group along its main ideological tenets: single interest, left wing, anarchist, right wing, nationalist/racial groups. A couple of caveats on this approach need to be made. First, some groups may fit into more than one classification. My classifications are not meant to “pigeonhole” any particular group into a specific, all-encompassing framework. Instead, it is simply my attempt to classify a group into a larger category. Second, this presentation is limited to groups who are considered “domestic” terrorist groups and to established international groups with a reach, infrastructure, or support within this country. Finally, once these groups and their ideologies are presented, I will illustrate how extremist “triggers” become applicable in society. With this approach established, it may help to initially provide a definition of domestic terrorism. The FBI defines “domestic terrorism” as1
Domestic terrorism is the unlawful use, or threatened use, of violence by a group or individual based and operating entirely within the United States (or its territories) without foreign direction, committed against persons or
property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.
