Resume
The Gadsden Flag’s Potential for Right-Wing Extremists
Mgr. Martin Zilvar, Masaryk University, Faculty of Social Studies, Department of Political Science, Ph.D. student
This article investigates the Gadsden flag’s extremist potential. Initially, it addresses the differences between European and American approaches to extremism. Based on rigorous analysis of its historical development, current employment, and observation of three selected far-right rallies, the article conceptualizes the Gadsden flag’s denotation and connotations. Moreover, it proposes a definition of extremist symbols derived from the existing literature whose key elements concurrently serve as assessment parameters. It concludes with a discussion about the Gadsden flag’s position among other far-right symbols.
Keywords: Gadsden flag, extremists, symbol, far-right, meaning.