Into the Machine: How Friendship, Funding, and Two Hidden Dynasties Power a Modern Extremism Pipeline
Introduction Extremists don’t usually start with angry speeches or hateful slogans—they start with belonging. That first welcoming gesture is often the hook that slowly opens the door to more extreme ideas. Recruiters create online spaces, like Discord servers or group chats, that feel safe and inviting, especially for people who don’t have many friends in