The Base, an international neo-Nazi terrorist group with roots in the United States, is intensifying its activities despite facing a global crackdown. Founded in 2018, this organization has been under the scrutiny of a years-long FBI counter-terrorism investigation, which has resulted in the arrest of over a dozen of its members. The group's founder and leader, Rinaldo Nazzaro, a former U.S. special forces contractor now residing in Russia, remains a central figure despite denying any ties to the Kremlin.
Nazzaro's organization, proscribed in the UK since July 2021, has seen members arrested in countries like the Netherlands and Italy on terrorism-related charges. Despite these setbacks, The Base is reportedly regrouping and strengthening its presence across the U.S., Europe, and other parts of the world.
Recent revelations indicate that The Base has released a new oath for its American members. This oath includes a bold assertion:
“I willingly accept the risk of being targeted by law enforcement as a result of my membership in the Base to include being placed on government watchlists,”
Additionally, the oath dictates silence under interrogation:
“However, if questioned by law enforcement, I will say nothing.”
The group has also solicited donations to a Bitcoin wallet intended for weapons and ammunition. This alarming trend is underscored by a surge in social media activity, where The Base has released images of members brandishing pistols or military-style rifles while wearing their trademark skull masks. This escalation coincides with an increased online presence noted by Steven Rai, an analyst at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD). Rai attributes this rise in activity to political developments, particularly since the November election.
“I think groups like the Base, far-right extremist groups that are strategic, have been waiting for the right opportunity before reinvigorating their respective organizations,”
Rai further elaborates on the perceived empowerment among far-right groups:
“This means that far-right extremist groups likely perceive the re-election of Trump as a green light to rebuild without fear of arrest or prosecution.”
The Base's ideology is rooted in accelerationism, advocating for acts of terrorism to dismantle world governments. Their rhetoric suggests a commitment to a military solution over political discourse. The assumed new leader of The Base has been quoted stating:
“There is no political solution, only a military solution,”
and urging followers to:
“So act accordingly.”
This stance resonates with Colin Clarke, a terrorism expert and director of research at the Soufan Center, who questions the group's approach:
“Or are we going to be part of the solution? The military solution,”
adding,
“Because inevitably we’re going to end up in some sort of military situation, what are the choices?”
Despite these radical inclinations, Nazzaro remains adamant about his detachment from Russian authorities:
“I never had any contact with any Russian security services.”
The group's activities extend beyond the U.S., with an uptick in European propaganda observed by Steven Rai:
“The Base has released a slow but steady trickle of propaganda over the past several months that has mostly highlighted their presence in Europe, so this shift in focus towards the US should raise alarms.”
This international focus highlights The Base's strategy to maintain a global footprint while expanding its influence within American borders.
Furthermore, the organization has not shied away from criticizing other neo-Nazi entities. They have notably targeted groups like Blood Tribe for engaging in public protests against drag-queen story hours—a move perceived as counterproductive to their clandestine objectives.
The current trajectory of The Base poses significant challenges for global law enforcement agencies already stretched thin by myriad security threats. With members actively recruiting and organizing across multiple continents, the need for coordinated international efforts becomes paramount.