White Hot Hate: Agent Pale Horse — Season 1, Episode 5: The ‘Network Administrator’

Release Date: November 16, 2021

Introduction

In the fifth episode of CBC's gripping series White Hot Hate, titled "The ‘Network Administrator’", host Michelle Shephard delves deep into the clandestine operations of a neo-Nazi group known as The Base. Central to this exploration is the enigmatic leader Ronaldo Nazaro, who operates under the alias Roman Wolf. This episode uncovers the intricate web of recruitment, ideological indoctrination, and the dark motivations that drive such extremist organizations.

Unveiling The Base and Roman Wolf

The Base is an accelerationist neo-Nazi group that seeks to incite societal collapse and provoke a race war, believing that such chaos will pave the way for a white separatist state. At the heart of this organization is Ronaldo Nazaro, aka Roman Wolf, who positions himself as the "Network Administrator"—a facilitator and organizer rather than a direct instigator of violence.

In the episode, Kathleen Goldhar introduces listeners to firsthand accounts and leaked recordings that shed light on The Base's inner workings. One such voice is that of Roman Wolf, whose recruitment tactics are both sinister and methodical.

Quote:
Ronaldo Nazaro (Roman Wolf) [02:53]: “I'm Giannis from Australia. Just tell us a little bit. Actually, I'm a birthday nationalist from Perth, Western Australia. I'm a licensed firearm owner. I have a clean record with the police. I have been part of Several white nationalist movements. So far, it's only been online. And I'm growing tired of that being around."

Investigative Journalism: Penetrating the Veil

Journalists Ollie Winston and Michelle Shephard played pivotal roles in infiltrating The Base. Their investigation revealed that The Base had been carefully infiltrated long before even the FBI could detect their activities. Over 100 hours of leaked tapes provided a window into the group's recruitment processes and ideological discussions.

Quote:
Ollie Winston [05:50]: “Yeah. He claims he did some tours overseas as a contractor. The guy's veracity is really in question. And I think that in a lot of the remarks that he's made, he's tried to puff up his own reputation quite a bit.”

The journalists discovered that Roman Wolf meticulously vetted potential members, often employing psychological manipulation and preying on individuals' grievances to indoctrinate them into the group's extremist beliefs.

Quote:
Ronaldo Nazaro (Roman Wolf) [25:00]: “Okay, well, the base is a survivalism and self defense network. It's always had a very practical mission. The motivation for forming it is the increasing political divide and social tension in the United States, which has a very strong racial component.”

Ronaldo Nazaro: From Villanova to Neo-Nazism

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to unraveling Ronaldo Nazaro's past. Born in the late 40s with Italian roots, Nazaro attended Villanova University in Pennsylvania during the early 1990s. Contrary to his current extremist stance, his university days painted a different picture.

Walter Grayson, an educator and historian who knew Nazaro during his college years, provides critical insights into Nazaro's transformation.

Quote:
Walter Grayson [14:35]: “I knew him as Ron, and it was probably my sophomore year of college, I'd expect.”

Despite initially being involved with Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and anti-racist organizations, Nazaro's trajectory took a dark turn as he became increasingly alienated by the prevalent racism and exclusionary attitudes he encountered on campus.

Quote:
Walter Grayson [16:02]: “There were a number of really clear incidents where people made it plain that I didn't really fit in, didn't really belong, that black people shouldn't be at Villanova. ... the general notion that it was a white society should be a white society, and any means of defending that were appropriate.”

After leaving Villanova, Nazaro's path intersected with military contracting, leading him to work with the Pentagon's Special Operations Command (SOCOM). This phase of his life is shrouded in mystery, with conflicting accounts about his roles in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Ethical Quagmire of Reporting Extremism

The episode doesn't shy away from addressing the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists when covering extremist groups. While infiltrating The Base provided invaluable information, it also raised questions about providing a platform to individuals like Nazaro.

Quote:
Ollie Winston [23:57]: “It's difficult. There are never easy interviews to do, but it's good that you're in contact with them.”

Michelle Shephard discusses the tightrope walk between gaining insight and preventing the amplification of extremist propaganda. The goal is to understand the motivations and operations without inadvertently promoting or legitimizing harmful ideologies.

Inside the Interview: Confronting Extremist Ideology

In a pivotal segment of the episode, Kathleen Goldhar conducts a direct interview with Ronaldo Nazaro. This candid conversation exposes Nazaro's victimhood narrative and his attempts to painted racism as a fabricated issue against white people.

Quote:
Ronaldo Nazaro (Roman Wolf) [25:54]: “I don't have any hatred towards anyone who's non white. I don't consider myself like a racist in the sense that I want to do harm to other races or have issues with other races just because of the color of their skin. ... the way that the issue of race and identity politics is being weaponized against white people.”

However, upon closer examination, Nazaro's definitions and admissions reveal a deeply ingrained racial prejudice and a strategic manipulation of language to mask his true intentions.

Quote:
Ronaldo Nazaro (Roman Wolf) [33:31]: “Me, personally, I would like to see an independent homeland for people of European descent can maybe draw a parallel to Zionism. So maybe like a form of white Zionism.”

This statement underscores the separatist and supremacist agenda driving The Base, contradicting his earlier claims of non-violence and survivalism.

The Duality of Nazaro's Persona

Nazaro's public demeanor presents a family-oriented individual, contrasting sharply with the extremist ideology he propagates within The Base.

Quote:
Ronaldo Nazaro (Roman Wolf) [20:55]: “Yeah, I'm a family man. First and foremost.”

Yet, the leaked tapes and subsequent interviews paint a picture of a leader who not only endorses but also facilitates a culture of violence and hatred. Members of The Base express admiration for notorious mass shooters, revealing the toxic environment Nazaro cultivates.

Quote:
Ronaldo Nazaro (Roman Wolf) [36:04]: “I've been teaching her daughter Krav Maga and she's already bashed two fucking Africans. She's 11. Right. Okay, that's good. So then you are a good trainer. That's good. All right, so what other questions do you have?”

Such admissions highlight the dangerous indoctrination facilitated by Nazaro, where extremist beliefs are normalized and even celebrated within the group.

The Global and Domestic Implications

The episode culminates by addressing the wider threat posed by The Base and similar organizations. Despite Nazaro's attempts to downplay the group's activities, authorities in various countries have designated The Base as a terrorist entity. The network's ability to operate across borders, coupled with its online presence, poses significant challenges for law enforcement and societal safety.

Quote:
Kathleen Goldhar [45:13]: “Whether it was perhaps the network administrator, as Nazaro calls himself, does not give orders but, but he does vet all members like this one.”

Moreover, Nazaro's enigmatic ties to Russia raise further concerns about foreign influence and the potential destabilization of Western societies.

Quote:
Ronaldo Nazaro (Roman Wolf) [42:34]: “Are you able to work there? ... I'm a bit too major practical issue. I was working as just as like an English tutor, right, to just make some extra, extra money for the bills.”

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Extremist Ideologies

"The ‘Network Administrator’" provides a chilling exploration of how extremist ideologies can take root and thrive within clandestine networks. Ronaldo Nazaro's journey from a seemingly ordinary individual to the leader of a neo-Nazi group underscores the complex interplay of personal grievances, ideological manipulation, and socio-political factors that fuel such movements.

As authorities continue to grapple with the threats posed by groups like The Base, White Hot Hate serves as a vital reminder of the enduring challenges posed by domestic extremism and the importance of vigilant, informed journalism in uncovering and addressing these dangers.

Notable Quotes

• Ronaldo Nazaro (Roman Wolf) [25:54]: “I don't have any hatred towards anyone who's non white. I don't consider myself like a racist in the sense that I want to do harm to other races or have issues with other races just because of the color of their skin...”

• Walter Grayson [14:35]: “I knew him as Ron, and it was probably my sophomore year of college, I'd expect.”

• Ollie Winston [05:50]: “Yeah. He claims he did some tours overseas as a contractor. The guy's veracity is really in question...”

• Ronaldo Nazaro (Roman Wolf) [33:31]: “Me, personally, I would like to see an independent homeland for people of European descent can maybe draw a parallel to Zionism. So maybe like a form of white Zionism.”

• Ronaldo Nazaro (Roman Wolf) [36:04]: “I've been teaching her daughter Krav Maga and she's already bashed two fucking Africans. She's 11. Right. Okay, that's good...”

White Hot Hate continues to shed light on the undercurrents of hate and extremism that threaten societal harmony. Through meticulous investigation and compelling storytelling, CBC brings these hidden narratives to the forefront, urging listeners to remain informed and vigilant.