📖 Overview
David Neiwert is an American journalist, author, and expert on right-wing extremism and domestic terrorism. His career spans over four decades of reporting and writing about extremist movements, particularly focusing on their manifestations in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.
During his early career, Neiwert worked at various newspapers across Idaho, Montana, and Washington state before joining MSNBC.com as a writer-producer in 1996. His work earned him the National Press Club Award for Distinguished Online Journalism in 2000 for his groundbreaking series on domestic terrorism.
Following his tenure at MSNBC, Neiwert established himself as an influential voice through his blog Orcinus and authored several books examining far-right movements and their influence on mainstream politics. His notable works include "Alt-America: The Rise of the Radical Right in the Age of Trump" and "Red Pill, Blue Pill: How to Counteract the Conspiracy Theories That Are Killing Us."
In recent years, Neiwert has continued his investigative work as a correspondent for the Southern Poverty Law Center and Daily Kos, maintaining his focus on tracking and analyzing extremist movements in American politics. His expertise has made him a frequently cited authority on right-wing extremism and domestic terrorism.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Neiwert's thorough research and detailed documentation of right-wing extremism in America. Multiple reviewers note his direct, journalistic writing style and ability to connect historical events to current trends.
What readers liked:
- Clear explanations of complex extremist networks
- First-hand reporting and primary sources
- Balanced tone when covering sensitive topics
- Extensive footnotes and citations
What readers disliked:
- Some find his books dense with information
- A few reviewers say his writing can be dry
- Critics argue he sometimes overemphasizes certain threats
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads:
"Alt-America" - 4.2/5 (500+ ratings)
"Red Pill, Blue Pill" - 4.1/5 (200+ ratings)
Amazon:
"Alt-America" - 4.3/5 (150+ reviews)
"Red Pill, Blue Pill" - 4.2/5 (100+ reviews)
One reader noted: "His research is impeccable and the connections he draws are eye-opening." Another wrote: "Dense but necessary reading for understanding modern extremism."
📚 Books by David Neiwert
Alt-America: The Rise of the Radical Right in the Age of Trump
Documents the development and mainstreaming of far-right movements in American politics, culminating in the Trump presidency.
Red Pill, Blue Pill: How to Counteract the Conspiracy Theories That Are Killing Us Examines the spread of conspiracy theories in American society and their impact on democracy and public discourse.
Of Orcas and Men: What Killer Whales Can Teach Us Explores the history, biology, and cultural significance of orcas, drawing from scientific research and indigenous knowledge.
And Hell Followed With Her: Crossing the Dark Side of the American Border Chronicles the story of border vigilante Shawna Forde and the broader implications of extremism along the U.S.-Mexico border.
The Eliminationists: How Hate Talk Radicalized the American Right Analyzes the role of eliminationist rhetoric in right-wing media and its influence on political violence.
Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community Details the history of Japanese Americans in Washington state's White River Valley and their experiences during World War II internment.
Death on the Fourth of July: The Story of a Killing, a Trial, and Hate Crime in America Examines a 2000 hate crime case in Ocean Shores, Washington, and its implications for American justice and society.
Red Pill, Blue Pill: How to Counteract the Conspiracy Theories That Are Killing Us Examines the spread of conspiracy theories in American society and their impact on democracy and public discourse.
Of Orcas and Men: What Killer Whales Can Teach Us Explores the history, biology, and cultural significance of orcas, drawing from scientific research and indigenous knowledge.
And Hell Followed With Her: Crossing the Dark Side of the American Border Chronicles the story of border vigilante Shawna Forde and the broader implications of extremism along the U.S.-Mexico border.
The Eliminationists: How Hate Talk Radicalized the American Right Analyzes the role of eliminationist rhetoric in right-wing media and its influence on political violence.
Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community Details the history of Japanese Americans in Washington state's White River Valley and their experiences during World War II internment.
Death on the Fourth of July: The Story of a Killing, a Trial, and Hate Crime in America Examines a 2000 hate crime case in Ocean Shores, Washington, and its implications for American justice and society.
👥 Similar authors
Chip Berlet has spent decades investigating right-wing movements and conspiracy theories in America, writing extensively about militia groups and religious extremism. His work "Right-Wing Populism in America: Too Close for Comfort" provides similar analytical depth to Neiwert's coverage of extremist movements.
Leonard Zeskind documented the evolution of white nationalist movements in America through firsthand investigation and historical analysis. His book "Blood and Politics" traces the development of far-right movements from the 1950s forward, sharing Neiwert's focus on how these groups influence mainstream politics.
Kathleen Belew examines the history of white power movements in America with emphasis on their connections to military culture and social movements. Her research in "Bring the War Home" explores similar themes to Neiwert's work regarding how extremist ideologies spread and gain legitimacy.
Jeff Sharlet investigates religious fundamentalism and its intersection with American politics and far-right movements. His books "The Family" and "C Street" reveal power structures and networks that complement Neiwert's research on extremist influence in politics.
Dave Cullen combines investigative journalism with deep analysis of domestic terrorism and its causes in American society. His work on the Columbine shooting and subsequent research into mass violence parallels Neiwert's examination of domestic terrorism and extremist violence.
Leonard Zeskind documented the evolution of white nationalist movements in America through firsthand investigation and historical analysis. His book "Blood and Politics" traces the development of far-right movements from the 1950s forward, sharing Neiwert's focus on how these groups influence mainstream politics.
Kathleen Belew examines the history of white power movements in America with emphasis on their connections to military culture and social movements. Her research in "Bring the War Home" explores similar themes to Neiwert's work regarding how extremist ideologies spread and gain legitimacy.
Jeff Sharlet investigates religious fundamentalism and its intersection with American politics and far-right movements. His books "The Family" and "C Street" reveal power structures and networks that complement Neiwert's research on extremist influence in politics.
Dave Cullen combines investigative journalism with deep analysis of domestic terrorism and its causes in American society. His work on the Columbine shooting and subsequent research into mass violence parallels Neiwert's examination of domestic terrorism and extremist violence.