In addition, the structure has become more confusing: Instead of a clear hierarchy, the “Proud Boys” are now more decentralized and organized in many different groups. It’s a model somewhat similar to that of rocker groups like the Hells Angels. This is also intended to prevent the group from being condemned as a criminal organization under American law through the so-called “Rico” law.
Julie Farnman, head of a private security agency, assumes that the “Proud Boys” are currently organized into 154 groups in 48 US states. The group is also active abroad. They have already been classified as a terrorist group in Canada and New Zealand. “It’s been growing and I don’t see any signs of it slowing down,” she said.
However, terrorism expert Jacob Ware does not see whether the right-wing extremist groups could actually escalate the violence or even create a situation of civil war: Unlike in civil war, there are no “retreat areas” that terrorists could use to avoid punishment, the expert believes . Unlike the Civil War in 1776, the political dividing line no longer runs between the southern and northern states, but rather between the urban and rural population. However, another form of violence is more likely, “which manifests itself as sustained, nationwide terrorism rather than organized separatism.”