Examining the Ideological Convergence Between Accelerationists and Islamic Terrorists

A new report by the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation at King’s College London examines the converging ideological attributes shared between Salafi‑jihadists and neo-fascist accelerationists. The study, “One Struggle”: Examining Narrative Syncretism between Accelerationists and Salafi‑Jihadists, argues that despite the common conception of ideological rigidity among extremists, the decentralized nature of modern extremist movements offers new opportunities for threat actors to influence each other via cohabitation of digital environments. “This does not demonstrate weakened ideological commitment, but instead an enhanced focus on results over practice,” according to the report.

The report contends accelerationists look to Islamic terrorists with admiration and a strong desire to emulate them. This admiration is due to the perception that Islamic terrorists have found success through their unrelenting persistence to achieve their goals and an emphasis on tradition and culture. Moreover, both groups share a common worldview, “encompassing a natural hierarchy, racial and/or cultural supremacy, views of the traditional family, antisemitism, and anti‑LGBTQ+ and anti‑government sentiments,” the researchers write.

The study analyzes Salafi‑jihadists and neo-fascist accelerationist ideological convergence along three tracks: admiration and emulation, anti-modernism and disdain for the West, and antisemitism. Additionally, the researchers find both groups share a similar recruiting approach in the digital ecosystem and the propaganda content itself shares significant stylistic and aesthetic attributes. The report concludes that there are unique dynamics occurring in the accelerationist and Islamic terrorist environments that warrant further research and attention. Read more at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation.