Far-right publication VDare sparks division in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia

In 2020, residents of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, discovered that Peter and Lydia Brimelow, founders of the far-right publication VDare, purchased a historic building known as "the castle" to use as a headquarters. This led to a prolonged conflict within the community, as documented by journalist Michael Edison Hayden in his book, Strange People on the Hill: How Extremism Tore Apart a Small American Town. Hayden noted that the arrival of VDare intensified existing divisions among residents, exacerbated by disagreements over the pandemic and social movements like Black Lives Matter and Pride.

Some residents expressed concern that their town would become associated with far-right extremism, prompting them to invite Hayden, then a researcher for the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), to report on the situation. The conflict resulted in neighbors turning against one another, business partnerships dissolving, and heated exchanges on social media. Hayden's reporting also revealed the internal struggles within the SPLC as it faced its own challenges.

The Brimelows' publication has been accused of promoting white nationalist ideologies, a characterization they dispute. Stephen Miller, a former adviser to Donald Trump, has reportedly shown support for VDare's content. Hayden's book illustrates how the presence of VDare has contributed to a broader atmosphere of polarization in the U.S., with implications for community cohesion and mental health.

In 2022, the New York Attorney General filed a lawsuit against VDare, alleging the Brimelows misused their non-profit status for personal gain, a claim they deny. This legal battle adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing saga in Berkeley Springs, further highlighting the intersection of local and national political dynamics.

Power Read: The Brimelows' establishment of VDare in Berkeley Springs has shifted the local power dynamics, exposing the community to national far-right movements while also creating a battleground for ideological conflict. As VDare faces legal scrutiny, the outcome may influence the organization's future and its impact on local and national politics. The residents' response to this situation could redefine community alliances and political affiliations in the region.

What to watch: The upcoming developments in the lawsuit against VDare will be critical in determining the organization's operational future and its influence in Berkeley Springs.