Beyond Unity: Unpacking the Factors Influencing Civil Society Responses to Political Extremism

Today’s democratic institutions face significant challenges from political extremism, necessitating a response from democratic actors. Civil society, often regarded as a cornerstone of democratic governance, plays a critical role in addressing these threats. However, existing literature tends to treat civil society as a relatively unified actor in its response to ideologies and groups that challenge democracy. This article proposes a framework to understand why civil society organizations (CSOs) may respond differently to political extremism. By distinguishing between active/direct and passive/indirect responses, the article identifies three key factors influencing these variations: the organization’s purpose and goals, its resource base, and its level of voluntariness. The framework's relevance is illustrated through case studies of three local CSOs responding to the Nordic Resistance Movement in Ludvika, Sweden. This analysis offers deeper insights into the diverse and complex factors that facilitate or constrain active stances against political extremism.