Examining and Confronting the Esoteric Leadership of Militia Groups in the United States

Abstract

This particular style of leadership is a reaction to a perceived increase in the already rapid pace of change overtaking the world today. Esoteric Leaders manipulate fears of change by claiming that they can halt, if not completely reverse the impact of such changes. They not only offer a set of simple explanations for understanding the often complex nature of societal change but they also aggressively pursue the re-establishment of a cultural "Golden Age" that in most cases never existed. Such leaders and their followers frequently advocate the use of violence against those diverse individuals, groups, and institutions which they perceive are responsible for extreme societal change or benefit from its impact.