There Are No Lone Wolves: The Role of Civil Society in Aiding and Abetting Domestic Terrorists

This paper focuses on the role Deviant Voluntary Associations (DVAs) play in the radicalizing of domestic terrorists associated with the alt-right in the United States and the outsized role social media plays in forming social capital bonds with those who become lone wolves. Drawing on Rousseau and Nietzsche, we explore the theoretical roots of the American political system particularly and liberalism more generally to better understand how violent acts such as these are deeply enmeshed in American culture. The contemporary case of paramilitary groups in the United States is explored, arguing the use of violence by these groups to achieve their ends has enabled the actions of the misnamed “lone wolf.” We end with recommendations for additional research on DVAs and civil society to further explore the connection between liberalism and nationalism, delve into the interaction of populism and civil society, document the fracture of civil religion through increased partisanship, and investigate the concomitant closing of civic spaces in the United States.

A leading scholar in nonprofit education, philanthropy, and critical perspectives on nonprofit organizing, Dr. Mirabella is co-editor of two field-defining volumes and a recipient of ARNOVA’s 2024 Distinguished Achievement and Leadership in Nonprofit and Voluntary Action Research Award. She co-edits the Journal of Nonprofit Education and Leadership alongside her Kean University colleague Dr. Bok Gyo Jeong, and has held long-standing leadership roles in ARNOVA and ASPA.