Abstract

This thesis critically analyzes the manifesto of alt-right leader and white nationalist, Richard Spencer. By placing him in a wider intellectual history, I reveal that his ideas are not novel and are merely repackaged for a contemporary audience. This requires the examination of historical racial pseudoscientific writings along with content written or endorsed by Spencer through inclusion on his platforms. In addition, I utilize scholarly works to create a framework to analyze Spencer’s ideas and motives. This research identifies the dangers of Spencer’s message and proves the necessity for further investigations and action in neutralizing the alt-right.

Advisor

Friedman, Joan

Second Advisor

Corral, Alvaro

Department

History; Political Science

Disciplines

American Politics | History | History of Gender | Intellectual History | Political History | Political Science | Race and Ethnicity | United States History

Keywords

white nationalism, alt-right, altright, alt right, alternative right, white supremacy, white seperatism, Richard Spencer, Richard B. Spencer, racism, fascism, pseudoscience, racial pseudoscience, pseudo-science, pseudoscientific racism, Richard Wagner, Madison Grant, Arthur de Gobineau, Houston Stewart Chamberlain, antisemitism, anti-semitism, manifesto, sexism, hegemonic masculinity, race, ethnicity, aggrieved entitlement, masculinity, gender, gender roles, ethno-state, ethno state, white ethno-state, neo-nazi, neo-nazism, internet, troll, Charlottesville, Unite the Right Rally, far-right, extremism, intellectual history, eugenics

Publication Date

2019

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2019 William Charles Gore