Approximately 150,000 Norwegians now express strong support for right-wing extremist ideas, according to a new study from the Center for Research on Extremism (C-Rex). This figure, representing 3.3% of the adult population, has doubled over the past four years. Researchers warn that while organized extremist groups remain scarce in Norway, the threat of violence from net-radicalized, lone actors remains persistent.
Growing support for extremist ideologies
The research, led by Anders Ravik Jupskås at C-Rex, indicates that extremist rhetoric has found a significant foothold in Norway. The study, conducted by Verian in June 2026 with 2,020 respondents, measured agreement with statements regarding racial purity and the use of political violence. Jupskås notes that if these individuals were a political party, they would nearly clear the 4% threshold required to secure leveling seats in the Storting.
Did You Know? The Center for Research on Extremism (C-Rex) was established at the University of Oslo in 2016, four years after the July 22, 2011, terrorist attacks that resulted in 77 deaths and 262 injuries.
The nature of right-wing violence in Norway
Despite the rise in extremist sentiment, most individuals do not act on these beliefs. However, researchers have documented at least 23 serious, violent right-wing attacks in Norway since 2011. Two of these incidents were fatal: the 2019 killing of Johanne Zhangjia Ihle-Hansen and the 2025 killing of Tamima Nibras Juhar. According to Jupskås, most perpetrators are men who are often intoxicated during the act, suggesting that Norway’s drinking culture may contribute to the frequency of these violent outbursts compared to countries like Denmark or the Netherlands.
Expert Insight: The paradox of the Norwegian model
Expert Insight: Norway presents a unique paradox in European extremism. While it has experienced one of the highest rates of right-wing terror per capita in Western Europe, it lacks the large, organized neo-Nazi groups found elsewhere. This is likely because the Norwegian welfare state prevents most people from falling into the economic marginalization that typically fuels organized extremism. However, this same safety net may inadvertently provide isolated individuals with the time and resources to radicalize on the internet without being intercepted by a physical extremist community.
What happens next?
Researchers expect the threat of net-radicalization to continue, particularly among young men. Jupskås warns that the emergence of online “sects” like 764, which manipulate youth toward self-harm and violence, complicates the security landscape. While there is broad political consensus in Norway that extremism is a problem, Jupskås suggests that eliminating these holdouts entirely would likely require repressive measures and mass surveillance that could conflict with democratic values.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do researchers define “strong support” for extremism?
Researchers used a scale from 0 to 6 based on participant agreement with various statements, such as the belief that only white people should live in Norway or that political violence is acceptable. A score of 4 or higher is categorized as “strong support.”
Are there organized extremist groups in Norway?
According to C-Rex, there are almost no organized right-wing extremist groups in Norway. Most serious violence is committed by lone actors who have been radicalized online rather than through formal organizations.
How does Norwegian extremism compare to other countries?
While right-wing extremist attitudes are found at similar levels in countries like Denmark and the Netherlands, Norway experiences a higher number of serious violent incidents. Researchers believe this is partly due to the intersection of radicalization and the specific nature of Norwegian alcohol-fueled violence.
How should society balance the need for security with the preservation of democratic freedoms in the face of growing online radicalization?
