This chapter focuses on defectors to the far-left ideological spectrum of extremist milieus, for example, anti-fascist groups, anarchism, or communism. The case studies and storylines presented here belong to individuals who were active as right-wing extremists or even terrorists before they made the transition to the extreme left. In most cases, this transition is explained by frustrating and disillusioning experiences within the far-right environment, especiallydysfunctional and toxic relationships with other members. A feeling of guilt and shame moved these side-switchers to attempt to make good on their former errors and assist left-wing groups in destroying the far right. Another set of motives belongs to the category of anti-establishment and ant-imperialism. Some switchers began feel that the struggle for a strong nation culminates in liberation from so-called imperialist capitalism.

This chapter discusses extremist side-switchers to the extreme of the far-right ideological spectrum, including neo-Nazism, white supremacism, fascism, and more fluid online extreme-right milieus on platforms such as IronMarch or Discord. Case studies and personal transition narratives for Benito Mussolini, Horst Mahler, Iris Niemeyer, and Julian Fritsch (aka the neo-Nazi musician MakssDamage) form the core of the chapter. Furthermore, an in-depth exploration of extreme-right online milieus and virtual discussions among their members about integrating former left-wing extremists is used to complement the case studies and deliver insights into virtual traces of extremist side-switching. For most defectors in this category, anti-Semitism, nationalism, and far-right conspiracy theories are key features of their side-switching narratives from the far left to the far right. The extreme right appears to be surprisingly open to integrating defectors from the far left, as can be seen in the discussions in online milieus about this issue.

This chapter focuses on defectors to Islamic extremist environments, such as Salafi-jihadists. The side-switcher storylines presented here come from individuals who were far-right or far-left extremists before undergoing a religious conversion and continuing their extremist career. Key motives that appear in the narratives in this chapter are a particular fascination with violence and hypermasculinity, as well as the strong desire to belong to a more coherent and stronger collective identity. In addition, one section discusses the psychological similarities and differences between religious conversion and extremist radicalization processes, and the implications of assessing side-switcher storylines. Since the narratives presented by defectors necessarily blend with religious conversation stories, specific side-switching components (such as conflicts in the old group) are usually subordinated. Furthermore, it is noted that almost no cases of defectors from Islamic extremist groups to other forms of extremism could be identified and the potential reasons for this are explored.