Extremist Beliefs, Violent Tactics, or Both? Radical Flanks Effects and the Mobilization Against COVID-19 Containment Measures

Social movements' ability to attract public support depends on the character and actions of radical factions inside the movements. Yet, the notion of radicalism has remained debated in the literature. Some authors have favored a definition centered on extremist beliefs while others have focused on violent tactics. These conceptual disagreements are reflected in the conflicting evidence in the literature: some studies have found a negative effect of radical flanks on public support, others a positive effect. This paper seeks to bring more clarity to this topic by examining the distinct impacts of different types of radical flanks on public support. Using a nationally representative survey experiment about protest against the COVID-19 containment measures in Germany, I tested the causal effects of two types of radical factions – one defined as groups with extremist beliefs (right-wing extremists) and the other defined as groups that resort to violence – as well as the interaction of these two types. Three forms of public support were examined: 1) the feelings towards the protesters, 2) the sympathy for their demands, and (3) the support for a ban on future demonstrations by the same group. I also tested how visual cues in the form of photos modify reactions to the presence of a right-wing extremist flank. The results indicated that the use of violence by a radical faction has a siginificant negative impact on feelings towards the protesters and increases support for a demonstration ban. The presence of radicals with an extremist ideology and the interaction of the two types of radicalism (extremist beliefs and violent tactics), however, did not have a significant impact on public support. By improving our understanding of the conditions affecting the acceptance of political challengers’ in a contentious period, this research contributes to and bridges the literature on social movements and public opinion.