The US State Department has designated the Nordic Resistance Movement (NRM) and three of its top officials as terrorists, marking the second time in history that a foreign White supremacist organization has been given this designation. The NRM is a transnational neo-Nazi group founded in Sweden in 1997, with branches in other Nordic countries. The group has been involved in violent attacks against political opponents, protestors, journalists, and others, along with collecting weapons and explosive materials. The designation reflects efforts by the Biden administration to counter domestic terrorism, particularly from White supremacist groups.
The NRM was designated as a terrorist organization for committing or attempting to commit acts of terrorism that pose a threat to US nationals or national security. The move comes amid concerns about the threat posed by White supremacist terror groups at home and abroad. The US Intelligence Community has warned that racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists, particularly those motivated by white supremacy, continue to pose a significant threat globally. The State Department highlighted NRM’s openly racist, anti-immigrant, antisemitic, and anti-LGBTQI+ platform as the basis for the designation.
The Biden administration has emphasized its commitment to countering domestic terrorism, including threats from racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists. The State Department’s designations of NRM and its leaders are part of a broader effort to address the transnational dimensions of the threat posed by REMVE actors. Officials have warned about the increasing transnational linkages among extremist groups, with individuals communicating online and in-person, recruiting and radicalizing followers, and sharing tactical training.
The designations of NRM and its leaders will deny them access to the US financial system, making it more challenging for them to move money internationally and fund their activities. The State Department aims to disrupt the group’s ability to carry out attacks and operate transnationally. The move follows an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump in 2019, giving the US government greater latitude to target groups that train terrorists. The State Department’s actions reflect a commitment to addressing the evolving threat of domestic terrorism and violent extremism.
The designation of NRM as a terrorist organization is a significant step in efforts to combat White supremacist terror groups and protect national security. The NRM’s history of violent attacks and extremist ideology pose a threat not only in the Nordic region but also globally. By designating the group and its leaders, the Biden administration is sending a strong message that the US will not tolerate terrorism or extremism, particularly from White supremacist groups. The State Department’s actions reflect ongoing efforts to address the complex and evolving threats posed by domestic terrorism and violent extremism.
In light of the threat posed by White supremacist terror groups, the US government is taking steps to disrupt their activities and prevent future attacks. The NRM’s designation as a terrorist organization is part of a broader strategy to counter domestic terrorism and address the transnational dimensions of the threat posed by REMVE actors. The State Department’s actions underscore the importance of collaboration and coordinated efforts to combat extremism and protect national security. By targeting groups like NRM, the US government is working to disrupt their ability to carry out attacks and promote violent ideologies.
