The ‘Great Replacement’ Theory, Explained

This report warns against the spread of the “Great Replacement Theory,” defined as the belief that “welcoming immigration policies — particularly those impacting nonwhite immigrants — are part of a plot designed to undermine or ‘replace’ the political power and culture of white people living in Western countries.” The report identifies Tucker Carlson of Fox news as a leading proponent of this theory. While the study of American history reveals clear antecedents to this kind of thinking, the report focuses on more recent manifestations, especially the role of French nationalist authors like Renaut Camus, fringe alt-right figures, and more mainstream channels like Fox News. The authors trace a trail of violence resulting from this form of thinking, including the 2018 attack on a Pittsburgh synagogue that killed 11 people. The report calls attention to people and groups that are working to counter this kind of extremism, including former President George W. Bush and the Anti-Defamation League. The report ends with a number of recommendations including carefully studying the history of nativism and extremism in American history.

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