RECOVER FROM COERCIVE CONTROL
Disclaimer:
Renée uses 12 criteria with ratings of 0-3 to assess groups and provide an overall ranking out of 10 that reflects levels of coercive control. These assessments are based upon media reports, personal testimonies, and other research. The findings reflect her personal opinions which may differ to others. She is mindful that groups can change over time, for the better or worst, and that the experiences of individuals may vary within any group. Renée is open to respectful discussions and encourages diverse perspectives to foster a better understanding of matters raised.
Political
National Socialist Order
Also known as Atomwaffen Division, AWD, or NSO
Unknown founder
c.2020 -
Established in America. Operating in decentralised locations including Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, and Germany.
Estimated followers: Unknown (100s)
Summary of Beliefs
The National Socialist Order (NSO), originally known as the Atomwaffen Division, adheres to a neo-Nazi ideology that promotes white supremacy, anti-Semitism, and National Socialism. The group idolizes Adolf Hitler and seeks to create a racially homogenous society based on the principles of Nazi Germany, advocating for the superiority of the white race. They hold hostile views toward Jews, believing in conspiracy theories about Jewish control and influence over society. Additionally, the NSO is deeply homophobic and misogynistic, opposing LGBTQ+ rights and promoting traditional gender roles. Their belief in accelerationism encourages the use of violence and chaos to hasten the collapse of societal structures, with the aim of establishing a new order aligned with their extremist views.
The NSO has been involved in numerous controversies due to its violent rhetoric and actions. Members of the group have been linked to several criminal activities, including hate crimes, murders, and plots of terrorism. The group's propaganda often glorifies violence and martyrdom, attracting individuals with extremist tendencies. Their activities have drawn the attention of law enforcement and anti-terrorism agencies, leading to arrests and legal actions against members. The NSO's presence in various countries has sparked concern among communities and governments, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by neo-Nazi and white supremacist movements globally. The group's ideology and actions not only promote hatred and division but also pose a significant risk to public safety and social cohesion.
Analysis Using Renée's Cult Ranking
The National Socialist Order (NSO), previously known as Atomwaffen Division, is an extremist neo-Nazi group promoting white supremacist ideology and advocating for the violent overthrow of governments. While primarily based in the United States, the NSO has influenced and connected with individuals and small cells globally, including in Australia. This analysis evaluates the characteristics and activities of the NSO in Australia against Renee's cult ranking criteria.
1. Authoritative Leadership
Score: 3
The NSO operates under a highly centralised and hierarchical leadership structure. The group's leaders wield significant control over members, dictating actions and ideological adherence. In Australia, local cells often follow directives from the central NSO leadership.
2. Control Over Information
Score: 3
The NSO tightly controls the dissemination of information within the group, promoting its own propaganda while discouraging exposure to external or dissenting viewpoints. Members are often restricted to approved communication channels and materials.
3. Deception
Score: 3
The NSO employs deception to recruit and retain members, often masking its violent and radical nature under the guise of community and self-defence rhetoric. It also uses coded language and symbolism to obscure its true intentions.
4. Exclusive Knowledge
Score: 3
The NSO claims to possess unique and superior knowledge regarding race and society, promoting an ideology that positions their beliefs as the ultimate truth. This elitist stance is a core part of their recruitment and indoctrination strategy.
5. Exploitation
Score: 3
The NSO exploits its members for various purposes, including committing acts of violence and spreading propaganda. In Australia, members may be tasked with illegal activities or spreading extremist content to further the group's objectives.
6. Fear, Guilt, & Intimidation
Score: 3
The NSO uses fear and intimidation to maintain control over its members and to instil a sense of loyalty and obedience. Threats of violence or ostracism are common tactics to enforce conformity and discourage dissent.
7. Isolation
Score: 3
The NSO encourages members to isolate themselves from outside influences, particularly those who oppose their ideology. This social isolation strengthens the group's control and diminishes external counterbalances.
8. Micro-Management of Daily Tasks
Score: 2
While the NSO does enforce certain behaviours and routines, such as participation in training and propaganda activities, the degree of micro-management varies among members. In Australia, this might include involvement in local actions and events organised by the group.
9. Monitoring Thoughts & Behaviours
Score: 3
The NSO monitors the thoughts and behaviours of its members to ensure adherence to their extremist beliefs. This can include surveillance of communication and actions to prevent any deviation from group norms.
10. Punishment & Discipline
Score: 3
The NSO enforces strict disciplinary measures for those who deviate from their rules or fail to comply with orders. Punishments can range from expulsion to threats and physical harm. This enforces a strict adherence to their doctrines and activities.
11. Thought Reform
Score: 3
The NSO engages in aggressive indoctrination and thought reform, using propaganda and intense ideological training to mould the beliefs and identities of its members. This creates a uniform and radical mindset aligned with their extremist views.
12. Us vs. Them Mentality
Score: 3
The NSO promotes a stark "us vs. them" worldview, demonising non-members, particularly those of different races or political beliefs. This mentality fosters a strong sense of in-group loyalty and hostility towards outsiders.
Total Score: 35/36
Overall Cult Ranking: 10. Extremely Destructive Cult
This score indicates that the National Socialist Order in Australia exhibits strong characteristics of a high-control, extremist cult, reflecting severe practices across nearly all evaluated criteria.
Further Reading
The Threat Is the Network: The Multi-Node Structure of Neo-Fascist Accelerationism
'A national issue': What we know about the neo-Nazis NSW wants to 'name and shame'
NSW Police has been praised for its 'textbook' approach in shutting down a 'neo-Nazi demonstration'.
IS IT A CULT?: Response from
National Socialist Order
No known response.