Rise of 'Active Club' Hate Groups: A Disturbing Trend in the US

"Active clubs," a strand of the white nationalist movement, have been growing in the US over the past three years and are now making themselves more visible. These decentralized cells, often dressed in tactical gear and masks, emphasize mixed martial arts training and are preparing for political and racially motivated violence. The Northwest Nationalist Network, based in the Pacific Northwest, has been particularly active, but similar groups have emerged in other states. The rise of these active clubs can be attributed to Robert Rundo, a self-professed fascist and white nationalist who has established trans-Atlantic ties with hate groups. While some groups openly embrace neo-Nazism, others have taken a more subtle approach. These active clubs have recently clashed with other far-right groups, but their common goal of spreading extreme ideologies remains a concern.