Accelerationism: From Online Subcultures to Real-World Violence

Accelerationism is no longer a fringe theory - it’s become a dangerous ideological driver behind a growing number of real-world terrorist attacks. Rooted in the belief that societal collapse should be sped up to bring new world order, this radical worldview has been adopted by extremists across the spectrum - from the far-right to violent anarchists.In this episode, host Lucas Webber is joined by Ben Makuch, national security reporter and contributor to The Guardian and Peter Smith, an independent researcher and journalist with the Canadian Anti Hate Network. They unpack where accelerationist narratives started, and how the rise of the digital age has helped spread them. They also examine why this ideology appeals to violent actors - and the challenges law enforcement faces in countering the threat.🎧 Listen to learn: ➡︎ What accelerationism is, and how it has evolved over time. ➡︎ How extremist communities are using this ideology to justify real-world violence. ➡︎ The role of memes, manifestos, and online subcultures in spreading accelerationist ideas. ➡︎ The challenges in tackling the threat of accelerationism. 📱Connect with Ben Makuch and Peter Smith.⚡Follow Tech Against Terrorism on Bluesky and LinkedIn. 🌐Check out the Tech Against Terrorism website.💬 Connect with our host, Lucas Webber. 📄 Read a full transcript of this episode here.  🎙️ An OG Podcasts Ltd production.