Introduction
A worrying trend in the realm of white supremacy is the emergence of neo-Nazi Satanism. Rooted in the principles of the Order of the Nine Angles (ONA), an obscure group with neo-Nazi Satanist leanings from Britain, this movement has grown significantly over the last fifty years. Today, it’s recognized as a significant threat due to its association with violence, terrorism, and its classification as a security concern by agencies like the CIA and MI5. The rise of the internet has transformed ONA into a sprawling, leaderless web that spans the globe, combining elements of Satanism and National Socialism. This network not only embraces but also promotes heinous acts, drawing in terrorists, cult figures, and other reprehensible characters.
ONA’s influence extends across various nations, including the UK, the USA, Italy, Brazil, and New Zealand, among others. This movement has found its way into some of the most radical neo-Nazi groups, leading to notable bans in the UK. Despite this, its threat was largely underestimated by authorities and scholars alike until the recent proliferation of “Siege-culture” and other extremist online communities.
The Evolution and Impact of Neo-Nazi Satanism
Intelligence agencies in the US have pinpointed ONA as a pivotal force in extremist circles, advocating for terrorism, violence, and racial hate. David Myatt, believed to be ONA’s founder, has been dubbed one of the world’s most dangerous extremists. The ideology has not only sparked internal dissent but has also led to a broader ostracization within the white supremacist community, particularly for its efforts to infiltrate and subvert mainstream groups.
Despite the backlash, ONA’s strategy of infiltration has been controversial within the extremist community itself, with some viewing their tactics as potentially exposing their movements to law enforcement scrutiny. This view was supported when a leading member of an ONA group in the US was exposed as an informant.
In a discussion with a former Combat 18 leader, referred to here as “Thomas” for anonymity, insights were shared on ONA’s reputation and tactics. Thomas highlighted the group’s increasing appeal to young neo-Nazis, driven by its online presence and provocative ideology. However, Thomas argued against outright bans on groups like ONA, suggesting that such actions could drive them underground and make them harder to combat.
Conclusions
Addressing the challenge posed by a decentralized and elusive network like ONA is complex. Their lack of formal structure and the vast array of materials they’ve produced make traditional bans difficult to enforce. Furthermore, banning ONA might not halt the spread of its ideology and could potentially push it further into the shadows, complicating efforts to monitor its activities. The discussion also raises questions about the effectiveness and implications of such legislative actions on followers who already operate clandestinely. While ignoring ONA is not an option, the decision to ban it sends a strong message against the promotion of hatred and violence, emphasizing the need for government and law enforcement to respond decisively to such extremist ideologies.