A Book Talk with Spencer Sunshine

On July 9th at 1 PM ET, the Program on Extremism at the George Washington University hosted an online event with Spencer Sunshine to discuss his new book, Neo-Nazi Terrorism and Countercultural Fascism: The Origins and Afterlife of James Mason’s Siege. The discussion was moderated by Program research fellow Jon Lewis. 

In Neo-Nazi Terrorism and Countercultural Fascism, Spencer Sunshine traces the evolution of James Mason's Siege, from its origins within internecine conflicts within the American Nazi Party in the 1970s to becoming a bible for modern neo-Nazi terrorists. Based on years of archival work and interviews, the book explores a previously overlooked period of American white supremacist history and unearths Mason's hidden connections with a countercultural clique responsible for reviving Siege from its nadir. The panelists discussed the key findings of Sunshine's book, examined the coalitional fascist milieu which promoted and adopted Mason's views, and contextualized the enduring legacy of Siege and accelerationism on the modern far-right both in the United States and abroad.

Spencer Sunshine holds a PhD in Sociology and has researched the Far Right for twenty years. He has been published by outlets like the Southern Poverty Law Center, Daily Beast, and The Forward, and is widely translated. His latest book is Neo-Nazi Terrorism and Countercultural Fascism: The Origins and Afterlife of James Mason’s Siege (Routledge, 2024).

Jon Lewis is a Research Fellow at the Program, where he studies the evolution of domestic terrorist movements and federal responses to the threat. His analysis and insights have been featured in numerous media outlets and academic publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, AP, BBC News, The Guardian, Los Angeles Times, and Rolling Stone.

On July 9, 2024, the Program on Extremism (PoE) at The George Washington University hosted an event titled, “A Book Talk with Spencer Sunshine.” Spencer Sunshine, author of Neo-Nazi Terrorism and Countercultural Fascism, joined PoE research fellow Jon Lewis to discuss the key findings of Sunshine’s book.

Lewis began the conversation by asking Sunshine about the origins of his recent book. Sunshine explained that his interest began following the 2017 Charlottesville rally when interest surged around Atomwaffen Division and Siege. What was intended to be a short article expanded into a full-length book after Sunshine accessed James Mason’s archives. The disjointed and contradictory records inspired him to chart a broader history of American neo-Nazi splinter groups, with Mason as a central figure.

Lewis then asked Sunshine about key figures that influenced Mason. Sunshine highlighted that Mason idolized individuals like Adolf Hitler and George Lincoln Rockwell. However, his approach differed significantly from structured movement-building. Mason instead fixated on an ideological, rather than a political lens, making Siege an unusual case of a text providing the foundation to an extremist subculture, something rare among white extremist groups. Sunshine also discussed the influence of Siege and Mason. He explained that Siege accounts for about 80% of Mason’s influence, while his cult of personality accounted for 20%. Mason’s age and continued ability to weigh in on current events has kept him relevant, and younger extremists looking for texts beyond The Turner Diaries gravitate towards Siege’s advocacy for lone-actor violence and societal collapse.

The conversation also traced Mason’s ties to 1980s and 1990s counterculture figures like Boyd Rice, Adam Parfrey, and Michael Moynihan, who introduced Siege to fringe music, occult, and esoteric circles. Sunshine noted how fascination with fascism, mass violence, and apocalyptic imagery to today’s alt-right culture. Lewis and Sunshine also explored how Siege has since spread globally, particularly through Telegram channels, translated versions, and abridged copies, influencing recent acts of violence like the Jacksonville shooting.

During the Q&A, Lewis asked how the language and culture of the Abraxas clique appear in today’s far-right meme culture. Sunshine explained that “winky wink” fascism – signaling extremist views while maintaining deniability – remains common, especially in online subcultures and optics debates. He noted that internet spaces like 4chan have emerged, allowing those uneasy with physical violence to engage virtually. Sunshine also discussed figures like James Porrazzo, who admired Mason and later led fringe projects, and Joshua Caleb Sutter, who became influential in accelerationist circles.

To close, Lewis asked where Siege culture and its associated movement might be headed. Sunshine predicted that while the far-right’s militant wing seems enduring, its form likely will evolve. He flagged concern about online spaces like Terrorgram, which are more difficult for authorities to monitor and disrupt. Finally, Lewis asked about Mason’s current involvement and future role. Sunshine highlighted that while Mason experienced some splits with former allies after Atomwaffens decline, he still embraces his role as a senior figure in these circles. He remains accessible to young followers and seemingly welcomes the attention and influence it brings.