Sarah Riccardi-Swartz
@riccardiswartz.bsky.social
assistant prof of religion and anthropology at Northeastern University. first gen. book w/ Fordham University Press. current projects: trad futurisms/digital dissidents.
Pinned
The affective allure of authoritarianism
In late summer 2021, media platforms in the United States were electric with news of right-wing pundit Tucker Carlson’s visit to Hungary and his televised interview with Prime Minister Viktor...
tif.ssrc.org
Those of us who study American religion and politics have long known that disaffected populations are looking abroad to authoritarian leaders for future solutions. Now they’ve figured out a path to make that a reality here and now.
tif.ssrc.org/2022/01/21/t...
tif.ssrc.org/2022/01/21/t...
Reposted by Sarah Riccardi-Swartz
#WebinAAR | This Friday at 12 PM, the Eastern Orthodox Studies Unit is hosting an AAR webinar on "Religion and Conflict: Case Studies from Ukraine." Register here for free: my.aarweb.org/event-inform...
@aarweb.bsky.social @riccardiswartz.bsky.social
@aarweb.bsky.social @riccardiswartz.bsky.social
November 12, 2025 at 7:34 PM
#WebinAAR | This Friday at 12 PM, the Eastern Orthodox Studies Unit is hosting an AAR webinar on "Religion and Conflict: Case Studies from Ukraine." Register here for free: my.aarweb.org/event-inform...
@aarweb.bsky.social @riccardiswartz.bsky.social
@aarweb.bsky.social @riccardiswartz.bsky.social
Reposted by Sarah Riccardi-Swartz
@aarweb.bsky.social is hosting a free webinar next month on religion and the war in Ukraine, featuring three of the leading global experts on this topic, and moderated by @riccardiswartz.bsky.social- more info below:
aarweb.org/event/religi...
aarweb.org/event/religi...
Religion and Conflict: Case Studies from Ukraine – AAR
An AAR Fall Fridays WebinAAR Hosted by AAR’s Eastern Orthodox Studies Program Unit As part of the Fall Fridays Scholarship WebinAAR Series, this webinar features a panel of globally renowned experts i...
aarweb.org
October 17, 2025 at 8:53 PM
@aarweb.bsky.social is hosting a free webinar next month on religion and the war in Ukraine, featuring three of the leading global experts on this topic, and moderated by @riccardiswartz.bsky.social- more info below:
aarweb.org/event/religi...
aarweb.org/event/religi...
Reposted by Sarah Riccardi-Swartz
A huge congratulations to current YSAR members @clukasik.bsky.social and @riccardiswartz.bsky.social on their book Anthropologies of Orthodox Christianity: Theology, Politics, Ethics!
Learn more about the book and their incredible work: fordhampress.com/anthropologi...
Learn more about the book and their incredible work: fordhampress.com/anthropologi...
October 15, 2025 at 3:04 PM
A huge congratulations to current YSAR members @clukasik.bsky.social and @riccardiswartz.bsky.social on their book Anthropologies of Orthodox Christianity: Theology, Politics, Ethics!
Learn more about the book and their incredible work: fordhampress.com/anthropologi...
Learn more about the book and their incredible work: fordhampress.com/anthropologi...
As someone who has been researching and writing about this phenomenon since 2017, I’m glad to see the amplification of news coverage on these globalized far-right connections. youtube.com/watch?v=A95E...
Russian propaganda finds sympathetic ears among U.S. religious right
YouTube video by PBS NewsHour
youtube.com
August 21, 2025 at 1:13 PM
As someone who has been researching and writing about this phenomenon since 2017, I’m glad to see the amplification of news coverage on these globalized far-right connections. youtube.com/watch?v=A95E...
Reposted by Sarah Riccardi-Swartz
"The connections between Brazil and the U.S. reflect decades of transnational circulation of ideas, theologies, strategies and resources...a story of mutual influence, but also of dependence and asymmetry." religionnews.com/2025/07/15/o...
'Apocalypse in the Tropics' explores Brazil politics, evangelicalism
(RNS) — Netflix released the documentary ‘Apocalypse in the Tropics,’ which seeks to understand how the far right mobilizes faith for political interest.
religionnews.com
July 16, 2025 at 7:35 PM
"The connections between Brazil and the U.S. reflect decades of transnational circulation of ideas, theologies, strategies and resources...a story of mutual influence, but also of dependence and asymmetry." religionnews.com/2025/07/15/o...
“I, Daniel Richard Martindale, voluntarily and consciously accepting the citizenship of the Russian Federation, swear to observe the Constitution," he said in good Russian.” www.reuters.com/world/us-cit...
US citizen who helped Russia from inside Ukraine granted Russian passport by Putin
Daniel Martindale, a U.S. citizen who helped the Kremlin target Ukrainian troops and was then spirited out of eastern Ukraine by Russian special forces, has received a Russian passport in Moscow.
www.reuters.com
July 15, 2025 at 9:27 PM
“I, Daniel Richard Martindale, voluntarily and consciously accepting the citizenship of the Russian Federation, swear to observe the Constitution," he said in good Russian.” www.reuters.com/world/us-cit...
Reposted by Sarah Riccardi-Swartz
In light of John MacArthur's death, I'm sharing again the piece that Jason Bruner and I wrote about the self-congratulatory documentary that Grace Church released in 2023 that portrayed MacArthur and his followers as persecuted martyrs of Gavin Newsom's Covid regime. therevealer.org/evangelicals...
July 15, 2025 at 3:47 AM
In light of John MacArthur's death, I'm sharing again the piece that Jason Bruner and I wrote about the self-congratulatory documentary that Grace Church released in 2023 that portrayed MacArthur and his followers as persecuted martyrs of Gavin Newsom's Covid regime. therevealer.org/evangelicals...
“Prove that you matter” has long been part of eugenics language.
"You’ve got to stay healthy, as well. Be vital. Do the most you can do to really live up to … your God-given potential to live a full and healthy life. Don’t eat carrot cake.”
Dr. Oz Says Medicaid Will Be There for Americans … as Long as They Lay Off the Cake
Dr. Mehmet Oz said on Fox Business that Medicaid will still be there for Americans, but they need to stay healthy and lay off the cake.
www.rollingstone.com
July 15, 2025 at 12:52 PM
“Prove that you matter” has long been part of eugenics language.
Reposted by Sarah Riccardi-Swartz
I'm going to forever be annoyed that I spent years trying to warn people that the religious right had a plan to use democracy to destroy democracy and implement theocracy, only to be told that I must have no idea just how fringe my past life was and there was nothing to worry about.
July 14, 2025 at 9:29 PM
I'm going to forever be annoyed that I spent years trying to warn people that the religious right had a plan to use democracy to destroy democracy and implement theocracy, only to be told that I must have no idea just how fringe my past life was and there was nothing to worry about.
Reposted by Sarah Riccardi-Swartz
I’m quoted in this article about the impact of Medicaid cuts in the near future. I wish my disabled rage came out more
www.americanbar.org/groups/diver...
www.americanbar.org/groups/diver...
Thirty-Five Years After the ADA, Disability Advocates Fight for Survival
Thirty-five years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), disability rights activists returned to Capitol Hill to rally against a tax and spending bill that threatens to strip ...
www.americanbar.org
July 15, 2025 at 5:54 AM
I’m quoted in this article about the impact of Medicaid cuts in the near future. I wish my disabled rage came out more
www.americanbar.org/groups/diver...
www.americanbar.org/groups/diver...
Reposted by Sarah Riccardi-Swartz
Our latest article in The 19th focuses on how algorithms for online social media platforms prioritizes content on the #manosphere, #tradwives and gendered #violence.
tinyurl.com/4c6mxakr
tinyurl.com/4c6mxakr
How algorithms, alpha males and tradwives are winning the war for kids’ minds
Toxic masculinity and idealized motherhood content are flooding social media feeds — forcing educators, students and parents to navigate the internet's manosphere.
tinyurl.com
July 1, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Our latest article in The 19th focuses on how algorithms for online social media platforms prioritizes content on the #manosphere, #tradwives and gendered #violence.
tinyurl.com/4c6mxakr
tinyurl.com/4c6mxakr
Reposted by Sarah Riccardi-Swartz
New publication alert-pleased to share my new article on misogyny and in game chats in online gaming- a review article that is part of a phenomenal special issue on gaming & extremism. Open access, thanks to american university library support for faculty authors
www.frontiersin.org/journals/psy...
www.frontiersin.org/journals/psy...
Frontiers | Misogyny incubators: how gaming helps channel everyday sexism into violent extremism
We face a pervasive and proliferating climate of online misogyny, along with an ever-expanding digital ecosystem that makes it faster and easier to express a...
www.frontiersin.org
July 15, 2025 at 6:02 AM
New publication alert-pleased to share my new article on misogyny and in game chats in online gaming- a review article that is part of a phenomenal special issue on gaming & extremism. Open access, thanks to american university library support for faculty authors
www.frontiersin.org/journals/psy...
www.frontiersin.org/journals/psy...
Always and forever!
Summer is coming, and what is better than reading Saba Mahmood?
Mahmood, S. (2005). Politics of Piety: The Islamic Revival and the Feminist Subject. Pinceton University Press.
Mahmood, S. (2005). Politics of Piety: The Islamic Revival and the Feminist Subject. Pinceton University Press.
July 11, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Always and forever!
Not sure how I missed this article coming out. An interesting look at the relationship between seeker spirituality and Orthobros, featuring comments from me. In French. www.ladn.eu/nouveaux-usa...
« Orthobros » : pourquoi l'orthodoxie séduit les jeunes hommes américains - L'ADN
De New York à San Francisco, une nouvelle vague de jeunes hommes conservateurs se convertit à l'orthodoxie chrétienne. Enquête sur un phénomène qui pourrait bien traverser l'Atlantique.
www.ladn.eu
July 10, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Not sure how I missed this article coming out. An interesting look at the relationship between seeker spirituality and Orthobros, featuring comments from me. In French. www.ladn.eu/nouveaux-usa...
This is what Rob Saler and I call “trad futurism” in our in-progress book.
www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/06/09/t...
www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/06/09/t...
‘The Fight for Souls and Minds’: Alex Jones, George Galloway, Errol Musk and More Attend Far-Right Forum of the Future in Moscow - The Moscow Times
Leading Western far-right personalities have descended on Moscow for the “Forum of the Future,” a two-day event aimed at broadcasting Russia’s state ideology and an ultra-conservative, neo-imperialist...
www.themoscowtimes.com
June 10, 2025 at 11:52 AM
This is what Rob Saler and I call “trad futurism” in our in-progress book.
www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/06/09/t...
www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/06/09/t...
Reposted by Sarah Riccardi-Swartz
🥩 Great to listen to @manesweisskircher.bsky.social presenting our new joint venture on how the far right mobilises against lab-grown meat at the @ecpr-ead.bsky.social conference in London! 🍗
June 9, 2025 at 8:41 AM
🥩 Great to listen to @manesweisskircher.bsky.social presenting our new joint venture on how the far right mobilises against lab-grown meat at the @ecpr-ead.bsky.social conference in London! 🍗
Reposted by Sarah Riccardi-Swartz
This goes to the core of the Republican fears of the Democrats (“foreign”, “violent”) and is an attempt at both distraction and radicalization by embattled Trump 2.0. But excessive state violence against (non-marginalized groups of) own population often leads to massive popular backlash too.
Trump authorizes 2,000 national guard troops to deploy to LA amid Ice protests
California governor calls move ‘purposefully inflammatory’ and says it will ‘escalate tensions’ amid immigration crackdown
www.theguardian.com
June 8, 2025 at 6:37 AM
This goes to the core of the Republican fears of the Democrats (“foreign”, “violent”) and is an attempt at both distraction and radicalization by embattled Trump 2.0. But excessive state violence against (non-marginalized groups of) own population often leads to massive popular backlash too.
Excellent reporting from Lucy Ash. The title says it all. www.bbc.com/news/article...
Orthodox Christianity: Young US men joining 'masculine' Russian churches
A religion with traditions dating back centuries is attracting young American men.
www.bbc.com
May 25, 2025 at 11:34 AM
Excellent reporting from Lucy Ash. The title says it all. www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Sarah Riccardi-Swartz
Delighted to circulate this call for grant applications in my capacity as the Senior Research Advisor of the National Recording Preservation Foundation, a charter of the 106th US Congress and a partner affiliate of the Library of Congress.
NRPF Grants: 2025 Call for Proposals
www.recordingpreservation.org
May 19, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Delighted to circulate this call for grant applications in my capacity as the Senior Research Advisor of the National Recording Preservation Foundation, a charter of the 106th US Congress and a partner affiliate of the Library of Congress.
Share widely. This program is such a gift!
It's the final day to apply fro the 2025–2027 Young Scholars in American Religion Cohort. All application materials (including completed letters of recommendation) must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern today to receive full consideration.
Apply today at raac.indianapolis.iu.edu/programs/you....
Apply today at raac.indianapolis.iu.edu/programs/you....
May 19, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Share widely. This program is such a gift!
Reposted by Sarah Riccardi-Swartz
In my book, Who Is a True Christian?, I argue that the fascination with “ancient faith” and “historic Christianity” had led conservative Christians down a path toward fascist politics.
I didn’t expect them to make the connection quite so blatantly.
HT to @riccardiswartz.bsky.social
I didn’t expect them to make the connection quite so blatantly.
HT to @riccardiswartz.bsky.social
May 13, 2025 at 12:25 PM
In my book, Who Is a True Christian?, I argue that the fascination with “ancient faith” and “historic Christianity” had led conservative Christians down a path toward fascist politics.
I didn’t expect them to make the connection quite so blatantly.
HT to @riccardiswartz.bsky.social
I didn’t expect them to make the connection quite so blatantly.
HT to @riccardiswartz.bsky.social
Lucy Ash did a fantastic job on this radio documentary. Happy to be a part of the project. www.bbc.com/audio/play/p...
BBC Audio | The Documentary Podcast | Assignment: Russia's Church in Texas
The Americans converting to Orthodox Christianity in Texas...
www.bbc.com
May 6, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Lucy Ash did a fantastic job on this radio documentary. Happy to be a part of the project. www.bbc.com/audio/play/p...
Reposted by Sarah Riccardi-Swartz
•Charles Mathewes @ctmathewes.bsky.social (UVA)
•Nina Glibetic (Yale University)
•Patrick Michelson @plmichel68.bsky.social (Indiana University)
•Sarah Riccardi-Swartz @riccardiswartz.bsky.social (Northeastern University)
•Panteli Kalaitzidis (Volos Academy for Theological Studies)
...and more!
•Nina Glibetic (Yale University)
•Patrick Michelson @plmichel68.bsky.social (Indiana University)
•Sarah Riccardi-Swartz @riccardiswartz.bsky.social (Northeastern University)
•Panteli Kalaitzidis (Volos Academy for Theological Studies)
...and more!
March 27, 2025 at 8:24 PM
•Charles Mathewes @ctmathewes.bsky.social (UVA)
•Nina Glibetic (Yale University)
•Patrick Michelson @plmichel68.bsky.social (Indiana University)
•Sarah Riccardi-Swartz @riccardiswartz.bsky.social (Northeastern University)
•Panteli Kalaitzidis (Volos Academy for Theological Studies)
...and more!
•Nina Glibetic (Yale University)
•Patrick Michelson @plmichel68.bsky.social (Indiana University)
•Sarah Riccardi-Swartz @riccardiswartz.bsky.social (Northeastern University)
•Panteli Kalaitzidis (Volos Academy for Theological Studies)
...and more!
Reposted by Sarah Riccardi-Swartz
In the mountains of West Virginia, a community of Russian Orthodox monks and laypeople provides an unusual picture of rural religious life. Religion and Anthropology Prof. @riccardiswartz.bsky.social spent a year documenting this community. Read more at @dailyyonder.bsky.social.
Q&A: What Can a Russian Orthodox Community Tell Us about Rural America? | The Daily Yonder
Editor’s Note: This interview first appeared in Path Finders, an email newsletter from the Daily Yonder. Each week, Path Finders features a Q&A with a
dailyyonder.com
March 25, 2025 at 8:49 PM
In the mountains of West Virginia, a community of Russian Orthodox monks and laypeople provides an unusual picture of rural religious life. Religion and Anthropology Prof. @riccardiswartz.bsky.social spent a year documenting this community. Read more at @dailyyonder.bsky.social.
Coming Fall 2025 from @fordhampress.bsky.social Co-edited with the amazing @clukasik.bsky.social. It’s also lovely to see another one of my photos grace the cover of a FUP book. 🎉
March 19, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Coming Fall 2025 from @fordhampress.bsky.social Co-edited with the amazing @clukasik.bsky.social. It’s also lovely to see another one of my photos grace the cover of a FUP book. 🎉