Description
Book SynopsisSam Jackson takes readers inside the world of the most prominent antigovernment group in the United States, examining its extensive online presence to discover how it builds support for its goals and actions. He explores how Oath Keepers draws on core American values and pivotal historical moments to cast its adherents as defenders of liberty.
Trade ReviewA groundbreaking study of how antigovernment extremism is reaching new audiences with fear-based stories that call supporters to vigilante action.
Oath Keepers is a must-read for anyone concerned with this growing threat to the foundations of democratic governance. -- Kathleen Blee, author of
Understanding Racist Activism: Theory, Methods, and ResearchJackson's meticulous research shines a much-needed light on Oath Keepers—a highly visible but little understood domestic extremist organization. Jackson delves into the complexities of the group’s rhetoric and activities, offering important insights into how extremists frame their appeal for wider audiences. An important text on the movement for years to come. -- J. M. Berger, author of
ExtremismSam Jackson's
Oath Keepers is a welcome addition to the sparse literature on right-wing antigovernment extremists in the United States. His concise but compelling examination of one of the major groups in the militia/patriot movement really adds to our understanding of how such groups conceptualize themselves and their cause and how their beliefs translate into action. -- Mark Pitcavage, senior research fellow, Center on Extremism, Anti-Defamation League
Jackson’s prescient analysis of antigovernment extremism couldn’t be more timely or important.
Oath Keepers is an essential contribution to our understanding of the growing appeal and violent potential of ever-evolving forms of domestic extremism. -- Cynthia Miller-Idriss, author of
Hate in the Homeland: The New Global Far RightJackson provides the most detailed examination of Oath Keepers that we have, developing our understanding of how right-wing extremist groups rhetorically use the past to further their political interests in the present. -- D. J. Mulloy, author of
Enemies of the State: The Radical Right in America from FDR to TrumpThis book demystifies an important topic. * Choice *
A well-articulated, insightful book that is beneficial to not only scholars, policymakers and practitioners focused on far right extremists, but also general readers concerned about far right groups and 'militias.'...a must read. * Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Books *
Table of ContentsIntroduction
1. Understanding Right-Wing Extremism in the United States
2. Introducing Oath Keepers
3. An Operational History of Oath Keepers
4. The Ongoing Struggle Over Natural Rights
5. The American Revolution Redux
6. “No More Free Wacos”
Conclusion: The Importance of Oath Keepers
Acknowledgments
Appendix 1: Data and Methods
Appendix 2: Declaration of Orders
Notes
Bibliography
Index
