The base: an analysis of recruiting, vetting, and motivations of potential members

Rebecca A. Wilson; Katherine Kountz; John P. Hendry; Allison Betus; Mor Yachin; Dror Walter; Michael Loadenthal; Anthony F. Lemieux

doi:10.1080/17467586.2025.2484177

The base: an analysis of recruiting, vetting, and motivations of potential members

Rebecca A. Wilson, Katherine Kountz, John P. Hendry, Allison Betus, Mor Yachin, Dror Walter, Michael Loadenthal, Anthony F. Lemieux

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

North American White supremacist/neo-Nazi accelerationist group The Base has become known for several high-profile arrests, hate crimes, and communication leaks. Among these leaks were 127 calls between members of The Base, including leader Rinaldo Nazzaro, and potential recruits. To understand the stated and implied motivations of the people seeking membership in the violent extremist group, how those were shaped, and unique and/or emergent elements of these conversations, we developed an analytic framework to evaluate these calls. This initial paper serves as part of our team’s broader programmatic research into the motivations and selection processes involved in hate group recruitment. One of the goals of this research is to develop data-informed avenues for practitioners working to stem the appeal and recruitment of violent extremist organizations.

Original language	English
Journal	Dynamics of Asymmetric Conflict: Pathways toward Terrorism and Genocide
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1080/17467586.2025.2484177
State	Accepted/In press - 1 Jan 2025
Externally published	Yes

Keywords

Accelerationism
White power
base
extremism
motivation
red pill

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Social Psychology
Cultural Studies
Sociology and Political Science
Political Science and International Relations
Law

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10.1080/17467586.2025.2484177

Cite this

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title = "The base: an analysis of recruiting, vetting, and motivations of potential members",

abstract = "North American White supremacist/neo-Nazi accelerationist group The Base has become known for several high-profile arrests, hate crimes, and communication leaks. Among these leaks were 127 calls between members of The Base, including leader Rinaldo Nazzaro, and potential recruits. To understand the stated and implied motivations of the people seeking membership in the violent extremist group, how those were shaped, and unique and/or emergent elements of these conversations, we developed an analytic framework to evaluate these calls. This initial paper serves as part of our team{\textquoteright}s broader programmatic research into the motivations and selection processes involved in hate group recruitment. One of the goals of this research is to develop data-informed avenues for practitioners working to stem the appeal and recruitment of violent extremist organizations.",

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AU - Loadenthal, Michael

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The base: an analysis of recruiting, vetting, and motivations of potential members

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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