Only six weeks apart Brenton Tarrant and John Earnest committed terrorist attacks which were both anteceded by manifesto highlighting their justifications, motivations, and ideologies. The...Show moreOnly six weeks apart Brenton Tarrant and John Earnest committed terrorist attacks which were both anteceded by manifesto highlighting their justifications, motivations, and ideologies. The publication of manifestos has been a rising trend amongst right-wing extremists and urgent attention to this issue is required, however, the research on the content of manifestos has been partly neglected in academia. The Significance Quest Theory can offer a valuable angle in the understanding of possible motives for resorting to violent extremism. By conducting a thematic analysis of two manifestos, this research aims to add to the existing literature by identifying whether the Significance Quest Theory could provide insights into the possible motivations of Brenton Tarrant and John Earnest for turning to violent extremism. From the analysis of the manifestos it can be withdrawn that the quest for significance was a potential motivator for the right-wing extremists to turn to violent extremism.Show less
