ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the anti-Islamic mobilization of activists on Facebook by analyzing the ideas and sentiments expressed in 298 groups, containing approximately 5 million members from 182 countries for a short period in 2016. Two patterns emerge. First, and contrary to expectations, many anti-Islamic activists express views aligned with the official, semi-liberal platform. This suggests that the anti-Islamic, organizational expansion has also expanded the pool for far-right recruitment. Second, messages conveying hope and trust in themselves, their cause, and their leaders increases both internal mobilization and the spread of their message. There are also indications that angry messages may increase mobilization, but play a less important role. The angriest messages are about Muslims, whereas joyful messages often rely on Christian themes combined with progressive and liberal positions such as gay rights. This indicates the fusing of liberal-traditional positions under the umbrella of anti-Islam, previously documented in the leaders’ framing. Nonetheless, the movement is beset by tensions. A sizeable minority appear to express anti-democratic and racist views at odds with the official platform. It is an open question whether these extremists or the current leadership and more moderate activists will dominate the anti-Islamic movement in the long run.
