Joe Mulhall - Drums In The Distance: Journeys Into the Global Far Right

Mulhall watches the extreme right revival from the inside as an anti-fascist infiltrator criss-crossing the global networks of modern fascism but he brings a deep analytical focus. By the end of it we understand one thing: the threat of a second fascist era is real.

Paul Mason, author of Postcapitalism

Few, if any, are better placed to write a book of this breadth and scale than Joe Mulhall. Not only increasingly pertinent, the global far right needs to be understood on all levels if it is to be tamed. Many, me included, would enthusiastically embrace such a book.

Mark Townsend, Observer Home Affairs editor and author of No Return: The True Story of How Martyrs Are Made

Joe has had a unique view of the far right over the past decade as it transformed from a marginal subculture into one of the defining political currents of our time. He understands how these groups think and operate, and is perfectly placed to guide readers through this disturbing but vital story.

Daniel Trilling, author of Bloody Nasty People: The Rise of Britains Far Right and Lights in the Distance: Exile and Refuge at the Borders of Europe

This is an urgent missive from the global frontlines of the fight against fascism, combining a gift for storytelling with meticulous research and academic rigour.

Nima Elbagir, CNN Senior International Correspondent

ii Mulhall has been studying far-right politics since long before anyone in the United States realized that an understanding of this issue would be crucial for policymakers, local governments, corporations, civil society, journalists, and philanthropy in the 21st century. After four years of watching the rise of domestic extremism, many decision-makers now know that they need to understand whats unfolding in the United States and abroad. This book moves past the hot takes that have dominated the public conversation by providing in-depth empirical evidence and analysis that can truly ground the conversation and help the reader situate whats happening in the United States within a broader historical, geopolitical, and technical context.

danah boyd, partner researcher at Microsoft Research and founder and president of the Data & Society Institute, New York

This book tells the story of the rise of the global far right but wherever the organised politics of hatred have emerged, there are people who have risen up and fought back. My first thanks go to these countless, nameless anti-fascists, radicals and romantics for their sacrifice and struggle, which continue to provide me with hope that we can win.

More personally, my thanks go to my friends, colleagues and comrades at HOPE not hate (HNH), whose tireless work and passion inspire me every day. A special thanks must go to its founder Nick Lowles for creating the organisation that has shaped my life over the past decade. None of the stories in this book would have happened without him placing his trust in me and allowing me to turn my passion into a job. This book also touches briefly on the story of numerous colleagues, especially Patrik Hermansson, David Lawrence, Simon Murdoch and Titus. None of this would have been possible without their courage and commitment and they each have a book of their own to write one day. Thanks must also go to the wider HNH family and the numerous undercover sources whose names cannot be mentioned in this book.

I am deeply indebted to my agent Kay Peddle, without whom this book would have never made it to print. Her guidance and patience are extremely appreciated. I must also thank my editor Duncan Heath and all at Icon Books for taking on this project and being such a pleasure to work with.

A book like this relies heavily on the scholarship of numerous academics, researchers and anti-fascists who have x produced necessary and fascinating work. I hope my truncated overviews do not exploit or misrepresent their work. The endnotes of this book show where my countless debts lie, and I hope I represent their work fairly.

Numerous friends pop up in these pages, namely Rob Trigwell, Rob Powell and Ena Miller. Thanks for sharing those adventures with me and for checking I retold them accurately. Thanks also to Nithi Sevaguru for his kind help in India. Others have graciously taken the time to read the draft manuscript and provided invaluable feedback, especially Craig Fowlie, Duncan Stoddard and Laura Dixon. Their honest criticism and recommendations have been a great help and improved this text significantly.

As well as the history of the far right stretching back across the post-war period, this book is entwined with personal stories that cover the last decade of my life. At times this work has no doubt made me difficult to be around, and at these moments it was the unwavering support of my closest friends that got me through. A special mention must go to those who have always been there for me, many of whom I have already mentioned above. On this account, thanks must also go to, among others, Mark and Kat Neale, Rob Gordon and Charlie Field, Matthew Walker and Sian Cain, Ed Thurlow, Charlie Burness, Ali Horn, James Bowker and Steven Judge. Apologies to those there is not space to mention, but special thanks to the rest of my friends from Woking and university.

Finally I must acknowledge my family, without whose love I would not have managed. Endless love and thanks to mum, dad, Philip, Kelly and Rich. Thanks for picking up the pieces.