Amy Cooter, Ph.D.
@amycooter.bsky.social
Militia expert. Sociologist. Research Director ARC (@arcglobal) and exciting news soon
Nostalgia, Nationalism & the US Militia Movement: http://tinyurl.com/yvme26ad
Nostalgia, Nationalism & the US Militia Movement: http://tinyurl.com/yvme26ad
Reposted by Amy Cooter, Ph.D.
“The extreme right... The amount of resources behind them and the amount of power that they hold within the political establishment of their party is absolutely asymmetrical."
- @melissaryan.bsky.social
- @melissaryan.bsky.social
GLOBAL WARNING: Melissa Ryan (Ep 6)
YouTube video by AWKWORD
youtu.be
November 26, 2025 at 9:41 PM
“The extreme right... The amount of resources behind them and the amount of power that they hold within the political establishment of their party is absolutely asymmetrical."
- @melissaryan.bsky.social
- @melissaryan.bsky.social
Reposted by Amy Cooter, Ph.D.
BIG: FBI spied on Signal group chat of immigration activists CourtWatch, classifying them as violent terrorist extremists for quietly sitting in on court cases, as revealed in intel bulletin we obtained & shared w/ @samtlevin.bsky.social @us.theguardian.com. #FOIA www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
The FBI spied on a Signal group chat of immigration activists, records reveal
Exclusive: Agency accessed private conversations of New York ‘courtwatch’ group that was observing public hearings
www.theguardian.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:13 PM
BIG: FBI spied on Signal group chat of immigration activists CourtWatch, classifying them as violent terrorist extremists for quietly sitting in on court cases, as revealed in intel bulletin we obtained & shared w/ @samtlevin.bsky.social @us.theguardian.com. #FOIA www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Re-upping this today.
If you don't know enough to adequately anticipate how bad actors are likely to misuse your work, you're probably not ready to be investigating those questions.
If you do know and fail to adequately guard against it, you are not just complicit: you are a collaborator.
If you don't know enough to adequately anticipate how bad actors are likely to misuse your work, you're probably not ready to be investigating those questions.
If you do know and fail to adequately guard against it, you are not just complicit: you are a collaborator.
One of the first things taught in (good) social science research methods courses is how to frame your data accurately. This isn't just about choosing and understanding the correct method for your data and question, though that is part of it. It's also about correctly presenting data to your readers.
November 21, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Re-upping this today.
If you don't know enough to adequately anticipate how bad actors are likely to misuse your work, you're probably not ready to be investigating those questions.
If you do know and fail to adequately guard against it, you are not just complicit: you are a collaborator.
If you don't know enough to adequately anticipate how bad actors are likely to misuse your work, you're probably not ready to be investigating those questions.
If you do know and fail to adequately guard against it, you are not just complicit: you are a collaborator.
I specifically logged on to share this story, and as usual, @victorerikray.bsky.social already has it summed up perfectly
(If you can't read the whole article, try archive, but all you really need is this headline)
(If you can't read the whole article, try archive, but all you really need is this headline)
We had a ten-year-long debate over using the word “fascism” and the Coast Guard just…tweeted it out.
WAPO SCOOP: U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify swastikas, nooses as hate symbols
wapo.st/3Mbd9a6
wapo.st/3Mbd9a6
November 20, 2025 at 10:00 PM
I specifically logged on to share this story, and as usual, @victorerikray.bsky.social already has it summed up perfectly
(If you can't read the whole article, try archive, but all you really need is this headline)
(If you can't read the whole article, try archive, but all you really need is this headline)
Reposted by Amy Cooter, Ph.D.
This is an excellent explainer, and my friend and @icde.bsky.social's executive director, @mattkriner.bsky.social contributed insights for it.
If you haven't heard of the Com network (aka 764), I'm sorry to do this. But you have to read this. It's the stuff of nightmares and makes me miss the glory days of ISIS and all their depravity.
abcnews.go.com/US/modern-da...
abcnews.go.com/US/modern-da...
'Modern day terrorism': How the online extremist network 764 is threatening teen lives
Authorities are working to crack down on 764, a loose-knit network of young online predators that many Americans have never even heard of.
abcnews.go.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:15 AM
This is an excellent explainer, and my friend and @icde.bsky.social's executive director, @mattkriner.bsky.social contributed insights for it.
Reposted by Amy Cooter, Ph.D.
If you have to get permission to teach in your area of expertise from people who are definitionally not qualified to adjudicate your expertise then you are no longer working at a university.
You’re working at a state propaganda factory.
You’re working at a state propaganda factory.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) — Texas A&M adopts policy requiring professors to get OK from school president to discuss certain race and gender issues.
November 13, 2025 at 11:48 PM
If you have to get permission to teach in your area of expertise from people who are definitionally not qualified to adjudicate your expertise then you are no longer working at a university.
You’re working at a state propaganda factory.
You’re working at a state propaganda factory.
Honestly, it reminds me of how profs I knew at both UM and Vandy would try to brag that they never watched TV (or in one case movies either). If you don't enjoy those things, fine, but if you're performatively opting out of cultural expressions to pretend moral superiority, whom does that serve?
Not to be too dark, but this has been something that's irked me about discussions of recent extremism: claims that it's happening purely because internet culture rots the brain.
We know online technologies are bad for us in a variety of ways, but -
We know online technologies are bad for us in a variety of ways, but -
6-7 again for the sociological win 🧪
“The teacher says ‘do problems 6 and 7,’ and boom—a shared moment. Laughter. A known way of moving your hands. It's nonsense that makes sense socially. Because for ten seconds, you belong.”
*culture*
[Becky Kennedy’s post on LI]
“The teacher says ‘do problems 6 and 7,’ and boom—a shared moment. Laughter. A known way of moving your hands. It's nonsense that makes sense socially. Because for ten seconds, you belong.”
*culture*
[Becky Kennedy’s post on LI]
November 5, 2025 at 11:58 PM
Honestly, it reminds me of how profs I knew at both UM and Vandy would try to brag that they never watched TV (or in one case movies either). If you don't enjoy those things, fine, but if you're performatively opting out of cultural expressions to pretend moral superiority, whom does that serve?
Not to be too dark, but this has been something that's irked me about discussions of recent extremism: claims that it's happening purely because internet culture rots the brain.
We know online technologies are bad for us in a variety of ways, but -
We know online technologies are bad for us in a variety of ways, but -
6-7 again for the sociological win 🧪
“The teacher says ‘do problems 6 and 7,’ and boom—a shared moment. Laughter. A known way of moving your hands. It's nonsense that makes sense socially. Because for ten seconds, you belong.”
*culture*
[Becky Kennedy’s post on LI]
“The teacher says ‘do problems 6 and 7,’ and boom—a shared moment. Laughter. A known way of moving your hands. It's nonsense that makes sense socially. Because for ten seconds, you belong.”
*culture*
[Becky Kennedy’s post on LI]
November 5, 2025 at 11:27 PM
Not to be too dark, but this has been something that's irked me about discussions of recent extremism: claims that it's happening purely because internet culture rots the brain.
We know online technologies are bad for us in a variety of ways, but -
We know online technologies are bad for us in a variety of ways, but -
My newest work, with @regularpete.bsky.social and @mattkriner.bsky.social
www.hstoday.us/subject-matt...
www.hstoday.us/subject-matt...
Tech Interventions for Novel Nihilistic Violent Extremist Threats - HSToday
The recent tragedy at Evergreen High in Colorado is the latest attack to highlight how novel extremist threats present themselves online.
www.hstoday.us
November 4, 2025 at 8:34 PM
My newest work, with @regularpete.bsky.social and @mattkriner.bsky.social
www.hstoday.us/subject-matt...
www.hstoday.us/subject-matt...
It's always nice when a physical book copy hits your hands, especially when your work is alongside so many great scholars' contributions.
www.routledge.com/Contemporary...
(Given the date, I was tempted to wear my vampire teeth, but that, uh, seemed like a mixed message)
www.routledge.com/Contemporary...
(Given the date, I was tempted to wear my vampire teeth, but that, uh, seemed like a mixed message)
October 31, 2025 at 9:06 PM
It's always nice when a physical book copy hits your hands, especially when your work is alongside so many great scholars' contributions.
www.routledge.com/Contemporary...
(Given the date, I was tempted to wear my vampire teeth, but that, uh, seemed like a mixed message)
www.routledge.com/Contemporary...
(Given the date, I was tempted to wear my vampire teeth, but that, uh, seemed like a mixed message)
One of the first things taught in (good) social science research methods courses is how to frame your data accurately. This isn't just about choosing and understanding the correct method for your data and question, though that is part of it. It's also about correctly presenting data to your readers.
October 30, 2025 at 3:34 PM
One of the first things taught in (good) social science research methods courses is how to frame your data accurately. This isn't just about choosing and understanding the correct method for your data and question, though that is part of it. It's also about correctly presenting data to your readers.
Reposted by Amy Cooter, Ph.D.
This and the Chicago indictments make it abundantly clear that the rule of law is dead at DOJ. The agency has been fully weaponized to smite Trump’s enemies and shield his friends.
Breaking on MSNBC:
Two federal prosecutors have been placed on leave at the direction of the White House after filing a sentencing memo seeking 27 months in prison for a pardoned Jan. 6 rioter who brought illegal guns and ammunition to President Obama's house in 2023.
Two federal prosecutors have been placed on leave at the direction of the White House after filing a sentencing memo seeking 27 months in prison for a pardoned Jan. 6 rioter who brought illegal guns and ammunition to President Obama's house in 2023.
October 29, 2025 at 5:18 PM
This and the Chicago indictments make it abundantly clear that the rule of law is dead at DOJ. The agency has been fully weaponized to smite Trump’s enemies and shield his friends.
Reposted by Amy Cooter, Ph.D.
This week’s GW guest is Eric King, an expert on anti-fascist action — and what it means to be a political prisoner
Eric served 10 years in a 6x9 cell in federal prison for throwing a Molotov at an *empty* Congressional building.
LIVE on WEDS, Oct. 29
Q&A drops THURSDAY
youtube.com/@thisisawkword
Eric served 10 years in a 6x9 cell in federal prison for throwing a Molotov at an *empty* Congressional building.
LIVE on WEDS, Oct. 29
Q&A drops THURSDAY
youtube.com/@thisisawkword
October 28, 2025 at 1:47 PM
This week’s GW guest is Eric King, an expert on anti-fascist action — and what it means to be a political prisoner
Eric served 10 years in a 6x9 cell in federal prison for throwing a Molotov at an *empty* Congressional building.
LIVE on WEDS, Oct. 29
Q&A drops THURSDAY
youtube.com/@thisisawkword
Eric served 10 years in a 6x9 cell in federal prison for throwing a Molotov at an *empty* Congressional building.
LIVE on WEDS, Oct. 29
Q&A drops THURSDAY
youtube.com/@thisisawkword
Reposted by Amy Cooter, Ph.D.
Never in my life did I think I would see this from a mayor to police: “We would like the Aurora Police Department to play a historic role in defending the United States of America, and our city against fascism. We have a unique opportunity to do something different….”
I haven't seen people here mention this letter from the mayor of Illinois' 2nd-largest city (Aurora, 40+% Latino)
to the Aurora Police
following egregious attacks by immigration in Aurora and related protests
So here it is!
to the Aurora Police
following egregious attacks by immigration in Aurora and related protests
So here it is!
October 25, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Never in my life did I think I would see this from a mayor to police: “We would like the Aurora Police Department to play a historic role in defending the United States of America, and our city against fascism. We have a unique opportunity to do something different….”
Reposted by Amy Cooter, Ph.D.
This is my top read for this entire fall- if you want to understand the data, the trend lines and their misuse, read this. 👇👇👇
Can finally share! Thanks for signal boosting, @milleridriss.bsky.social!
www.justsecurity.org/122278/corre...
www.justsecurity.org/122278/corre...
Correctly Assessing U.S. Left-Wing Terrorism and Political Violence
A recent published report suffers from fatal analytic flaws and risks feeding false narratives about political violence and polarization.
www.justsecurity.org
October 21, 2025 at 6:23 PM
This is my top read for this entire fall- if you want to understand the data, the trend lines and their misuse, read this. 👇👇👇
@mikeajensen.bsky.social and I were perturbed at how a recent report on left wing terrorism and political violence is predictably being weaponized. So we dug into the analysis for @justsecurity.org
www.justsecurity.org/122278/corre...
www.justsecurity.org/122278/corre...
Correctly Assessing Left-Wing Terrorism and Political Violence in the United States
A recent report published by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), “Left-Wing Terrorism and Political Violence in the United States,” risks feeding false narratives about politica...
www.justsecurity.org
October 21, 2025 at 1:29 PM
@mikeajensen.bsky.social and I were perturbed at how a recent report on left wing terrorism and political violence is predictably being weaponized. So we dug into the analysis for @justsecurity.org
www.justsecurity.org/122278/corre...
www.justsecurity.org/122278/corre...
Reposted by Amy Cooter, Ph.D.
Gotta block ‘em all!
Here’s the one-stop shopping blocklist to disappear the Trump regime accounts that swarmed Bluesky yesterday.
Flush these turds HERE -
bsky.app/profile/did:...
Here’s the one-stop shopping blocklist to disappear the Trump regime accounts that swarmed Bluesky yesterday.
Flush these turds HERE -
bsky.app/profile/did:...
October 18, 2025 at 10:03 AM
Gotta block ‘em all!
Here’s the one-stop shopping blocklist to disappear the Trump regime accounts that swarmed Bluesky yesterday.
Flush these turds HERE -
bsky.app/profile/did:...
Here’s the one-stop shopping blocklist to disappear the Trump regime accounts that swarmed Bluesky yesterday.
Flush these turds HERE -
bsky.app/profile/did:...
Unless it's very specifically planned as something like a naked bike ride. Then maybe go with no clothes.
(Seriously, if you're concerned about safety, your best bet is to check with local orgs because their recommendations will be most apt)
(Seriously, if you're concerned about safety, your best bet is to check with local orgs because their recommendations will be most apt)
as someone who knows a lot about protests if you're worried about what to wear tomorrow I'm here to tel you that you should just go with clothes
October 17, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Unless it's very specifically planned as something like a naked bike ride. Then maybe go with no clothes.
(Seriously, if you're concerned about safety, your best bet is to check with local orgs because their recommendations will be most apt)
(Seriously, if you're concerned about safety, your best bet is to check with local orgs because their recommendations will be most apt)
These are law enforcement personnel who have been reallocated to ICE activities. Check out that first line. It's the reason I've been telling journalists that we're not going to fully realize what we've done to ourselves until there is some awful, *preventable* tragedy.
October 2, 2025 at 1:22 PM
These are law enforcement personnel who have been reallocated to ICE activities. Check out that first line. It's the reason I've been telling journalists that we're not going to fully realize what we've done to ourselves until there is some awful, *preventable* tragedy.
This is your periodic reminder that government shutdowns mean many active duty military and their families do not receive their paychecks and may have difficulty accessing other services, too.
October 1, 2025 at 3:17 PM
This is your periodic reminder that government shutdowns mean many active duty military and their families do not receive their paychecks and may have difficulty accessing other services, too.
Oh hey, book launch day, in which I have two co-authored chapters
It is Book Launch day for @amaramarasingam.bsky.social and My edited volume "Contemporary Far-Right Culture The Art, Music, and Everyday Practices of Violent Extremism"
www.routledge.com/Contemporary...
www.routledge.com/Contemporary...
September 30, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Oh hey, book launch day, in which I have two co-authored chapters
I was just at an airport Starbucks with pumpkin spice signage everywhere, and, while conveying the order down the line, an employee referred to someone's drink as a "messy white woman." And this has made my day.
September 24, 2025 at 2:32 PM
I was just at an airport Starbucks with pumpkin spice signage everywhere, and, while conveying the order down the line, an employee referred to someone's drink as a "messy white woman." And this has made my day.
"Adopting nativist discourse and policies does not win back far-right voters. It leads to losses for centrist and leftwing parties."
Excellent analysis, as always, from @casmudde.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Excellent analysis, as always, from @casmudde.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
After the far-right mass rally in London, Britain must learn lessons from abroad – and fast | Cas Mudde
This is no time for complacent exceptionalism. The UK is part of the fourth phase of the far right in the postwar era, and its politicians must respond, says political scientist Cas Mudde
www.theguardian.com
September 19, 2025 at 11:16 AM
"Adopting nativist discourse and policies does not win back far-right voters. It leads to losses for centrist and leftwing parties."
Excellent analysis, as always, from @casmudde.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Excellent analysis, as always, from @casmudde.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Gentle reminder that "nihilistic" is not a synonym for "we don't know their ideology"
It's been A Week, so I'm not unpacking that, but a lot of folks were worried about slippage into meaninglessness after Palm Springs and it seems to be happening
It's been A Week, so I'm not unpacking that, but a lot of folks were worried about slippage into meaninglessness after Palm Springs and it seems to be happening
September 12, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Gentle reminder that "nihilistic" is not a synonym for "we don't know their ideology"
It's been A Week, so I'm not unpacking that, but a lot of folks were worried about slippage into meaninglessness after Palm Springs and it seems to be happening
It's been A Week, so I'm not unpacking that, but a lot of folks were worried about slippage into meaninglessness after Palm Springs and it seems to be happening