Outlasting Extremism: The Strategy of the Extinction Burst
Resisting Extremism: Strategies for Hopeful Action
On 11 February 2025, I learnt about a new concept -Extinction Burst- thanks to Christopher Webb (@cwebbonline) sharing this excellent 2 minute video by tiktoker Ohh that's RICH @ohhthatsrich on Twitter and I have used this concept as inspiration for this piece, so here we go.
In the struggle against political extremism, particularly movements like MAGA, which embody authoritarian tendencies, understanding the concept of the "Extinction Burst" as highlighted by Ohh that’s Rich can provide a hopeful and pragmatic approach to our efforts. This concept, rooted in behavioural psychology, suggests that when a behaviour is no longer reinforced, it temporarily escalates before diminishing. Applied to political movements, this means that as we work to remove the reinforcement (attention, fear, division) that sustains such ideologies, we might see an initial surge in their intensity, but persistence will lead to their eventual decline.
Ohh that’s Rich points out that the rise of the Tea Party during Obama’s presidency was a precursor to the MAGA movement, showing how extremist ideologies have been building momentum for over a decade. However, just as these movements were constructed, they can also collapse. The key lies in resisting their pull, refusing to normalise their rhetoric, and collectively restoring democratic norms - mainstream media please pay attention. Ohh that’s Rich’s insight offers hope: these movements are reaching their zenith, and with continued resistance, their extinction burst will soon come, provided we stay vigilant and committed to democracy.
Resisting Extremism: Strategies for Hopeful Action
Extremist movements, at their core, often operate as pathocracies—systems of governance dominated by individuals with pathological traits, such as a lack of empathy, manipulativeness, sadism, and a thirst for control. These regimes prioritise their own power and ideological goals over the well-being of society, leading to widespread oppression and erosion of democratic values. As Judith Butler argued in her recent article in The Guardian on Trump and sadism, such movements are often fuelled by a deliberate infliction of harm to maintain control and dominance. Butler emphasises the necessity of resisting these forces, both to counter their destructive tendencies and to restore democratic norms. Recognising this pathological nature underscores the importance of dismantling these structures and restoring governance that serves the collective good.
Extremist movements, at their core, often operate as pathocracies—systems of governance dominated by individuals with pathological traits, such as a lack of empathy, manipulativeness, and a thirst for control. These regimes prioritise their own power and ideological goals over the well-being of society, leading to widespread oppression and erosion of democratic values. Recognising this pathological nature underscores the importance of dismantling these structures and restoring governance that serves the collective good.
Understanding the Roots with Hope
Authoritarian movements thrive on exploiting societal fears, economic instability, and divisions. Recognising these triggers can guide our strategies in a hopeful direction, knowing that these conditions are temporary and can be altered through collective action. The challenge is to remain steadfast in dismantling the structures that enable these ideologies to persist.
Promote Education and Critical Thinking
Educational Initiatives: By supporting educational programmes that foster critical thinking, we not only arm individuals against manipulation but also ensure that future generations are less susceptible to extremist ideologies. This is a long-term investment in democracy.
Community Dialogues: Engaging in community discussions helps to dismantle echo chambers. By fostering open dialogues, we promote understanding, reducing the potency of extremist narratives over time, leading to their extinction.
Foster Community and Solidarity
Local Engagement: Active participation in community events and local politics builds resilience. These strong community bonds can withstand the initial 'burst' of extremist movements, as they provide a supportive network that outlasts the temporary escalation.
Support for Diversity: Celebrating diversity through community events reinforces inclusivity. Over time, this reduces the appeal of divisive politics, as people experience the richness of a diverse society, weakening the reinforcement for extremist ideologies.
Promote Economic Stability and Social Justice
Economic Policies: Advocating for policies that ensure economic security for all reduces the desperation that can fuel extremist movements. Economic stability is a foundational step in diminishing the fertile ground for extremist ideologies like authoritarianism.
Social Equity: By pushing for social justice, we address the grievances that these anti-democratic groups exploit. A society moving towards equity is less likely to see a resurgence of such movements after their initial burst.
Leverage the Power of Media and Arts
Artistic Expression: Artists can capture the zeitgeist, offering narratives that counter extremist ideology. Art has the power to maintain morale and hope during the phase of the extinction burst.
Media Literacy: Teaching media literacy is crucial in a time when misinformation fuels political extremism. An informed public is less likely to reinforce extremist rhetoric, hastening its decline.
Holding Media to Account: The media has a responsibility to report responsibly and avoid amplifying or normalising extremist ideologies. By consistently publicising extremist rhetoric without critique, they risk extending its reach and pain. We must demand that media outlets adhere to ethical journalism practices that prioritise truth, context, and the public good.
Long-Term Commitment to Democracy
Voting and Civic Engagement: Continuous participation in democratic processes ensures that the values we hold dear are represented. This sustained engagement will outlast the temporary surge of extremist movements.
Institutional Support: Strengthening democratic institutions provides a framework that can endure the initial intensity of the extinction burst. These institutions, when transparent and accountable, serve as bulwarks against authoritarianism.
The Australian Example: Community Independents as an Antidote
In Australia, the rise of Community Independents, often referred to as the 'teal' MPs, offers a vibrant example of how grassroots democracy can act as an antidote to extremist politics. As noted in the 10 February 2025 David Pope cartoon "Tinnies to the rescue", these independents symbolise a community-driven approach to politics that contrasts sharply with the Trumpian tactics some fear might take hold under Peter Dutton's leadership. With 34 community independents standing in the next federal election, this movement is gaining momentum. Their focus on local issues, cost of living, housing, climate action, and integrity in politics provides a hopeful alternative, demonstrating that by engaging at the community level, we can foster a political environment less susceptible to the allure of authoritarianism.
These independents are not just participants in democracy; they are its protectors, ensuring that the democratic values of fairness, inclusion, and environmental responsibility are prioritised, thereby reducing the space for extremist ideologies to thrive.
A Call to Action
The concept of the Extinction Burst gives us a pragmatic lens through which to view our fight against authoritarianism. David
Our task is to remain steadfast, hopeful, and committed to the good work of building an inclusive, equitable society. Through patience and persistence, we can outlive this dark chapter in history, moving forward to a brighter, more democratic future. Remember, this too shall pass, and our collective action will ensure it does. In Australia, the community independents are leading the charge, showing that we can indeed do this – we can stop Dutton and prevent his Trumpian politics from gaining a foothold here.
By understanding the mechanics of the Extinction Burst, we empower ourselves with the foresight to endure the last desperate throes of extremist ideologies. Democracy is a marathon, not a sprint, and every action we take today—no matter how small—contributes to a more just, fair, and inclusive future.
Onward we press.
References
Pathocracy: A system of governance in which individuals with pathological traits, such as a lack of empathy, manipulativeness, or a desire for control, dominate positions of power. This form of leadership prioritises personal or ideological gain over societal well-being, often leading to widespread oppression, corruption, and the erosion of democratic principles.
Extinction Burst: A phenomenon in behavioural psychology where a previously reinforced behaviour intensifies temporarily when reinforcement is removed, before ultimately declining and disappearing.
10 February 2025, Judith Butler: Trump is unleashing sadism upon the world. But we cannot get overwhelmed
5 Feb 2025: A great link to Zoe Daniel’s National Press Club speech on YouTube. Feel free to give it a like and comment if that’s your style.
Ian Macphee Articles
Our Democracy is Damaged - only progressive independents can repair it - 4 Dec 2021
We need independents to check ‘Power Hungry’ political parties - 10 Aug 2021
Vote Community Independents
Not shit candidates list
