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June 8, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Stolen Ideals? Right-Wing Extremism, Masculinity, and Sobriety
Date
Monday 8 June 2026
Time
12:00–13:00
Place
Digital / Online
Organised by think tank Nocturum in cooperation with Movendi Sverige and Movendi International
Event Description
In Sweden, the question of violent and right-wing extremist so-called “Active Clubs” has become increasingly prominent. These clubs organise primarily young men through a combination of physical training, ideology, and in some cases sobriety. Sobriety and abstinence from drugs are presented as part of a disciplined lifestyle.
The movement – mirroring its U.S. American counterparts – has simultaneously appropriated symbols and expressions drawn directly from straight edge culture. Both the broader sobriety movement and the straight edge movement in particular have historically functioned, and continue today to function as resistance movements. The critical distinction, however, is that they have directed their commitment toward fundamentally different values and social ideals: democracy and social justice.
This seminar explores what happens when symbols and expressions are co-opted and deployed in contexts far removed from their original values and what democratic movements can do in response.
Central Questions
What happens when democratic movements’ symbols and values are co-opted and what does it take to reclaim them?
Why are young men drawn to far-right movements that combine physical discipline, sobriety, and identity and how can democratic movements respond?
Sobriety has been a cornerstone of progressive, solidarity-based movements for generations. How did it become an ideal of the far right and what does that mean for democratic civil society?
Panellists
Andreas Ljungman
Columnist, photographer, and creator of the straight edge documentary “Trogen till döden” (Faithful Until Death)
Joshua Farrell-Molloy
Researcher, Malmö University – expert in right-wing extremism and digital subcultures
Bilan Osman
Journalist and author of “Det var bättre förr” (It Was Better Before)
Moderator: Maik Dünnbier
Director of Strategy and Advocacy, Movendi International