By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Recent extremist attacks reveal a disturbing evolution within far-right ideologies, with misogyny now standing as a prominent and foundational element alongside traditional racism and neo-Nazism. This anti-feminist conspiracism, which posits women as the architects of societal decline, has become deeply embedded in white supremacist circles and is directly linked to the violent playbook of accelerationist attackers. Experts warn that this transnational threat, exemplified by the Christchurch massacre and its successors, is being dangerously overlooked in current national counterterrorism strategies.
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It appears there’s a prevailing sentiment that the far-right’s animosity towards women isn’t a new development at all, but rather an old, deeply ingrained hatred that’s simply becoming more visible and vocal. Many observe that the idea of women being an “enemy” is far from novel for extremist groups. Instead, it’s felt like a constant undercurrent, if not an outright declaration, for a long time.
Historically, these groups have often viewed women as possessions or as inherently subservient, rather than as equals. The rise of strong, independent, and educated women seems to be particularly unsettling for them, as it directly challenges their desired patriarchal order. It’s suggested that this isn’t just about individual opinions but about a fundamental opposition to women gaining autonomy, owning their own money, and simply living their lives in peace.
The notion that this is a “new” enemy is met with considerable skepticism. Comments point out that white supremacist and far-right movements have long harbored misogynistic views. The difference now, some argue, is that these views are more openly expressed and, importantly, are being framed as problematic by broader society and the media. This increased visibility might be what’s leading some to perceive it as a fresh phenomenon, when in reality, it’s a long-standing issue amplified by current events and discourse.
There’s a strong connection drawn between white supremacy and the manosphere, with both seemingly aiming for a future where women are relegated to a subordinate status, akin to how certain oppressive regimes treat them. This lack of respect for women is seen as a core tenet, making any woman who defies these expectations a direct threat.
The evolution of these extremist ideologies suggests a shrinking circle of acceptance. As more groups within the far-right are marginalized or challenged, and as women continue to gain rights and visibility, the focus of their anger seems to increasingly settle on women. This creates a dynamic where women, particularly those who are outspoken or hold positions of influence, are perceived as obstacles to the far-right’s agenda.
The idea of a “new enemy” is often seen as a tactic by extremist groups to maintain a sense of victimhood and to continually identify targets for their fear-mongering and mobilization. The list of perceived enemies for these groups is never static; it shifts and expands, but the underlying animosity towards women appears to be a constant. This perpetual search for an enemy serves to consolidate their base and justify their actions.
Furthermore, some suggest that the current backlash against women is a reaction to the progress they’ve made. As women ascend to positions of power and influence, there’s a palpable fear and resentment among those who feel their own status is diminishing. This is seen as a desperate attempt to reclaim a lost dominance, and women are being scapegoated for societal changes they neither solely created nor exclusively control.
The concept of “fourth wave misogyny” is introduced as a way to understand this contemporary manifestation of hatred. The convergence of online extremist cultures, like incel communities, with more traditional far-right ideologies creates a potent mix of anger and a willingness to engage in conflict, often directed at women. This dynamic suggests that the fight against misogyny is far from over and is, in fact, taking on new and disturbing forms.
Ultimately, many believe that the far-right has *always* been at war with women. The perceived “newness” of this enemy is likely a symptom of how openly these sentiments are being aired and how they are intersecting with other forms of far-right extremism. The underlying animosity, however, is a deeply rooted and unfortunately persistent feature of these ideologies. The empowerment of women and their presence in all spheres of life is seen not as progress, but as a threat to a worldview that is increasingly out of sync with reality.