Eagles and Grey Wolves: A cross-cultural analysis of populist adjacent far-right groups

This article examines the narrative strategies and identity constructions of two far-right groups, the League of the South (United States) and the Grey Wolves (Turkey), through a cross-cultural lens. Gathering textual data from the respective groups' websites and using reflexive thematic analysis, we identify and compare five overarching themes, revealing both shared and unique dynamics shaped by each group's socio-political context and proximity to power. The League of the South portrays out-group threats, including traditional far-right targets and mainstream Republicans, as existential, emphasizing victimhood and the struggle of an exclusive in-group to establish a neo-Confederate state. In contrast, the Grey Wolves frame their in-group identity within a broader Turkish-Islamic context, integrating national pride and moral superiority with confidence derived from their alignment with Turkey's ruling coalition. Our findings highlight the role of power in shaping narratives: while the Grey Wolves capitalize on their proximity to power to project strength and stability, the League of the South's marginal position fosters narratives of defiance and futility. Despite differences, both groups employ moralistic and historical framings to legitimize their aims. This study advances the literature on far-right movements by emphasizing the complex dynamics between identity, power, and context, offering insights into the broader dynamics of far-right populism in WEIRD and non-WEIRD settings.