About Book

This memoir offers a rare insider’s account of the Oath Keepers, one of the most prominent anti-government extremist groups in the United States. Jason Van Tatenhove, a former media director of the organization, traces the Oath Keepers’ trajectory from the Bundy Ranch standoff (2014) through the Capitol insurrection (2021). He recounts his personal involvement, close ties with leader Stewart Rhodes, and the internal dynamics that fueled radicalization within the movement. The book exposes the Oath Keepers’ ideological drift toward white supremacy and alt-right circles, culminating in their role in the January 6 attack. Blending personal narrative, behind-the-scenes revelations, and testimony before the January 6 Committee, Van Tatenhove reflects on his disillusionment, his decision to break away, and his current efforts to warn the public about the threat of escalating extremism and potential civil conflict in the U.S.It contextualizes the evolution of radicalization in the U.S., linking it to broader threats of violence and democratic instability. While its U.S.-centric focus may limit direct applicability to South Asian contexts, its detailed exploration of extremist recruitment, ideology, and disengagement offers valuable comparative lessons for understanding and countering radical movements globally.