While considerable attention has been paid to Islam in discussions of religion and terrorism, far less scrutiny has been directed at how extreme-right movements invoke religion, through symbols, narratives, and beliefs, to advance their agendas. This panel will explore what Alejandro Beutel and Arie Perliger (2025) describe as “the nexus of religious extremism and far-right militancy,” shedding light on an underexamined yet increasingly relevant dimension of violent extremism.
Understanding this intersection is critical for shaping effective countering violent extremism (CVE) policies and programs. Featuring contributors to Rethinking Religion and Radicalization: Terrorism and Violence Twenty Years After 9/11 (Bloomsbury, 2025), this panel will delve into a range of topics, including the role of Orthodox Christianity in far-right ideologies, the emergence of ‘conspirituality’ and militant wellness, and the strategic deployment of religious discourse by radical-right movements in the United States and Israel.