The Panthers and the Militias: Brothers Under the Skin?

In The Panthers and the Militias, John Wood examines the contemporary militia movement in America by comparing it to the black militant movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Wood begins with a comparison of the similarities and differences between the Black Panther movement, and that of current militia groups. Wood then discusses the relevant cultural dimensions that breed these groups, most notably the glorification of violence in American history, and examines the economic issues that relate to the emergence of a small, but significant, militia movement. Wood concludes by assessing the likelihood of success for the movement by determining if they meet the criteria necessary to bring about the changes they desire, and offers economic and legislative changes needed to end this movement in America.