“Within the Order of the Children of the Light, are there disproportionately many followers of the Dark One, and if so, what might explain this?”

[Caelan Arendor]

Within the Order of the Children of the Light, are there disproportionately many followers of the Dark One, and if so, what might explain this?”

 

Within The Wheel of Time, there are indeed strong hints that the Children of the Light contain a disproportionately high number of Darkfriends. Not because the entire order is corrupt, but because its structure and ideology create fertile ground for hidden servants of the Shadow.

 

Orthodox movements built upon a rigid dogmatic framework tend to foster a sense of superiority over all who do not belong to their organisation or creed. This, in turn, breeds a constant mistrust of others; one begins to suspect betrayal and conspiracy everywhere. The moral framework is placed in jeopardy, and ethical principles are cast aside. The Children fight the Shadow, but they do so with harshness, fear, and oppression. Such an environment allows anyone already inclined to overstep moral boundaries to remain hidden with ease. The power granted to them — or seized by them — tempts them to increase it further by currying favour with whoever appears strongest, or claims to be. The Dark One promises immense, unbounded power to those who serve him

 

[CrescentoTWNR]

IMO a big running theme in Wheel of Time is how the nature of particular institutions can work to its detriment, even if their stated purpose is meant to be just. Tar Valon shares a lot of structural issues as well that limit the Aes Sedai's ability to do good in the world.

I'm personally really surprised how the Whitecloaks were able to be as big of a threat as they are, considering Aes Sedai have influence across most of the nations of the world. You'd think they'd prioritize quashing them, especially given the amount of Darkfriends in the Children of the Light.

[Sabio]

We don't see a higher % of White Cloak Df's then in any other place.  Just becuase they do bad things doesn't make most Df's.  RJ said the Whitecloaks were based off of groups like the Nazi's, Teutonic Knights etc.  Where there is only one truth and that is their truth.  "Any group that believes they know the Truth with a capital T and want you believe the same".

 

1.  Most places don't trust the Aes Sedai, many places they are simply tolerated.  Only Andor and the Borderlands have Aes Sedai advisors or openly accept them.

2.  Most nations are weak without a strong army or government.  Even Andor doesn't control half their claimed territory.  We see in stronger places like Tear and Ilian the WhiteCloaks avoid.  

3. The White Cloaks control a nation and have a strong military,

4.  As has been stated in the book, just because they are vile doesn't mean Aes Sedai can "quash" them.  Aes Sedai also lacks an army, the tower guard is mostly meant to defend Tar Valon.

 

The Whitecloaks justify doing a lot of bad things in the name of the light, but there is no indication many are DF's.