"The Alt-Right is unlike any racist movement we have ever seen. It is atomized, amorphous, predominantly online, and mostly anonymous. Although it remains small, it is growing," writes George Hawley, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Alabama and the author of several books including Right-Wing Critics of American Conservatism.

The Alt-Right contains a mixture of far-right activists and intellectuals who are interested in concepts such as race, nation, civilization, and culture. The candidacy of Donald Trump for President in 2016 energized this populist movement which has proven itself savvy about the uses of online tools and media outlets. In addition, the Alt-Right's penchant for offensive humor and trolling has attracted youth to Trump's bandwagon. Also notable is all the energy that has been put into attacks on conservative Republicans by this fledgling white nationalist movement.