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Going Mainstream

How Extremists Are Taking Over

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Going Mainstream

By: Julia Ebner
Narrated by: Emily Pennant-Rea
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About this listen

'Piercingly revelatory ... a tour de force' - Carl Miller, author of The Death of the Gods

'...a must-read ' - Eliot Higgins, author of We Are Bellingcat

'A timely and frighteningly revealing book' - Richard Kerbaj, author of The Secret History of the Five Eyes

The internationally bestselling author of Going Dark: the secret social lives of extremists (A Telegraph Book of the Year) returns to explore why radical ideas are increasingly infiltrating politics, popular culture and our everyday lives.

Incels. Anti Vaxxers. Conspiracy theorists. Neo-Nazis. Once, these groups all belonged on the fringes of the political spectrum. Today, accelerated by a pandemic, global conflict and rapid technological change, their ideas are becoming more widespread: QAnon proponents run for U.S. Congress, neo-fascists win elections in Europe, and celebrity influencers spread dangerous myths to millions. Going Mainstream asks the question: What is happening here?

Going undercover online and in person, UK counter-extremism expert Julia Ebner reveals how, united by a shared sense of grievance and scepticism about institutions, radicalised individuals are influencing the mainstream as never before. Hidden from public scrutiny, they leverage social media to create alternative information ecosystems and build sophisticated networks funded by dark money.

Ebner's candid conversations with extremists offer a nuanced and gripping insight into why people have turned to the fringes. She explores why outlandish ideas have taken hold and disinformation is spreading faster than ever. And she speaks to the activists and educators who are fighting to turn the tide.

Going Mainstream is a dispatch from the darkest front of the culture wars, and a vital wake-up call.

2025, Neave Book Prize, Long-listed

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Julia Ebner (P)2023 Bonnier Books UK
Elections & Political Process Freedom & Security Violence in Society Funny Espionage

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Fascinating and scary at the same time

Fantastic insight into how extremist views and conspiracy theories are becoming more common and mainstream regardless of how obscure they are.

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Very biased and superficial analysis

The book gives the impression that the author is merely echoing a multitude of examples and viewpoints espoused by the political left. There are no examples of indoctrination or extremism of the far-left presented, and very moderate conservative (near-centrist) views are presented as “gateway ideologies” to far-right extremism. The irony is palpable as the author ardently champions pro-state, anti-liberal policies without hesitation (as long as it suits her political views), all the while chastising her adversaries for failing to embody the principles of liberalism. If you are looking for a balanced read about extremism, this is not it.

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