A Swedish scholar of comparative religion and a former anarchist, he now identifies as a "Libertarian socialist." Gardell's work primarily focuses on non-mainstream political groups, such as the Ku Klux Klan and the Nation of Islam, examining their religious beliefs and ideologies.
This Element discusses the question: what makes a man randomly kill unarmed people, and why do some consider him a hero who should be emulated? Based on a unique collection of interviews and a close reading of lone wolf, fascist, and radical nationalist material and communication.