On the Fault Line

Reviews / Votes

This study of the Patriot Movement (grassroots 'militias') breaks new ground and enhances understanding of this shadowy phenomenon on the American Right. Highly recommended. * CHOICE * Explores the little-studied world of the state militia movement, uncovering its fascinating links to mainstream groups on the right and tensions between hard core ideologues and more moderate members. -- Kathleen M. Blee, University of Pittsburgh; author of Inside Organized Racism: Women in the Hate Movement Clearly an original work dealing with a relatively new phenomenon in contemporary U.S. life-the Patriot Movement. Whereas many works on social movements have tended to focus upon those of the left, this represents an analysis of one on the right. . . . A nice contribution to the literature. -- Andrew Herod, University of Georgia Gallaher's study shows real insights into a movement that too few academics have studied. It is theoretically informed and has made admirable use of observation and interviews. * Mobilization * Carolyn Gallagher's book is a refreshing and much needed antidote to the coverage of political movements that concentrates upon their violent threats and acts, their formidable arsenals of rhetoric and weaponry. Instead, On the Fault Line is an exercise in contextualizing the discourse of a fringe political movement with violent tendencies to illustrate why it attracts activists and how it is able to claim support in mainstream political arenas. -- Colin Flint, Pennsylvania State University This is a very original and thoughtful exploration of the Patriot Movement in America and the complex intersections of race, class, and gender that characterize the movement. On the Fault Line is accessible and useful for a wide variety of audiences including scholars, activists, and students. The interdisciplinary flavor of the work makes it attractive in fields such as political science, cultural studies, ethnic studies, race relations and whiteness studies, law, and rhetoric. -- Mark Lawrence McPhail, Miami University Western College Program