Last weekend the El Paso shooter killed 22 people and injured 24 in an attack seemingly inspired by right-wing extremism. Almost six months ago, the Christchurch attacker killed 51 people and injured 49. Five months before Christchurch, there were plots disrupted in London, France, and Spain – all motivated by right-wing extremist ideology. The threat appears to be surging, in part, supported by decentralised extremist networks online.

Texans hold candles during a vigil at in McKinney, Texas, after the El Paso massacre. Credit:AP

In the wake of this surge of right-wing terrorism, heavy criticism has been directed at technology companies and websites, including Facebook and 8Chan, for hosting extremist content. Moderation of the internet, despite its noted ungovernability, has dominated discussions.

What must be remembered, however, is that these platforms are merely vectors that enable the transmission of the extremist ideology, and that the ideology itself inspires extremists to launch terrorist attacks.

Ideology provides right-wing extremists with an encompassing worldview. It contextualises their experiences, gives an account of the existing order, glorifies a desirable future, and provides a premise for action. For that reason, ideology is understood as an inherent motivator for all terrorists, and shapes their future behaviours and actions. And yet right-wing extremist ideology is little understood.