Fear

This must-read new book maps New Zealand's alt-right underworld and unearths the roots of the occupation that ended in a violent protest on the grounds of Parliament.

Speaking after the chaos of the protest that stopped the nation, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told a press conference, 'One day, it will be our job to try and understand how a group of people could succumb to such wild and dangerous mis- and disinformation.'

That day isn't in the future. Mis- and disinformation had been identified as a problem before the convoy to parliament had even been suggested. While that protest looked like something that 'couldn't happen here', things that supposedly couldn't happen here seemed to be happening with alarming frequency. Three years prior, an armed gunman had entered two mosques in Christchurch and taken the lives of 51 worshipers, an event that shocked a country where mass shootings are almost unheard of. A few months later, a New Zealand Defence Force soldier who had founded a far-right group was arrested, and is awaiting court martial, accused of espionage.

We are no longer living in ordinary times, where political violence is unimaginable, and conspiracy theorists are marginal figures whose ideas can be laughed at. How did things get to this point?

Fear: New Zealand's Hostile Underworld of Extremists helps make sense of the tributaries feeding the river of alt-right activism, identifies the main perpetrators, and looks at why New Zealand is susceptible to misinformation, conspiracy theory and fear-mongering.

The story begins by casting light on the seemingly placid waters of New Zealand's social fabric, only to reveal the tumultuous currents beneath. With comprehensive research and detailed narratives, author Byron Clark paints a vivid picture of the individuals and networks at the core of the alt-right movement. From the harrowing timeline of the Christchurch mosque attacks to the unsettling rise of digital hate forums, this book meticulously chronicles how extremist ideologies have permeated national consciousness.

Clark’s investigative prowess is evident as he delves into the minds of those swayed by radicalism, exploring the factors that make individuals vulnerable to alt-right propaganda. Moreover, the narrative doesn't just highlight the problem; it seeks solutions by engaging with experts on deradicalisation, social cohesion, and digital literacy. As readers turn the pages, they'll not only grasp the scale and complexity of the issue but also gain a sense of hope through the practical measures suggested to combat this growing threat.

Fear is not just a book for those interested in politics but for anyone who cares about the social and cultural fabric of New Zealand. It’s an urgent call to recognise and address the forces driving division and unrest in what many consider one of the world's most peaceful nations. Rich with firsthand accounts and professional analyses, this book is essential for understanding the dangerous path New Zealand finds itself on and the steps necessary to steer back towards harmony and rational discourse.