The enemy of my enemy is my friend

Abstract

Through a series of interviews with and observations of Aryan Nations members, this article explores attempts by Aryan Nations to form an alliance with followers of Islamic Jihad and examines how a shared hatred of the Jew provides a basis for such an alliance. The article discusses growing differences between members of Aryan Nations with regard to such an alliance and the role of Christian Identity in their organization. Some members of Aryan Nations believe that their organization and its members should remain tied solely to Christian Identity. Others believe that people from other faiths, specifically Muslims, who share Aryan Nations's goal of defeating Jews, should be allowed to join Aryan Nations. Leaders in Aryan Nations have tried to satisfy both groups by dividing Aryan Nations into two distinct entities, one political and one religious. © 2007 Sage Publications.