Neo-Nazism

Neo-Nazism
Name	Neo-Nazism
Foundation	Mid-20th century
Ideology	White supremacy, Antisemitism, Ultranationalism, Anti-communism, Xenophobia
Position	Far-right
Colours	Black, white, red

Neo-Nazism. Neo-Nazism is a post-World War II ideology that seeks to revive and adapt the tenets of Nazism. Adherents typically venerate figures like Adolf Hitler and organizations such as the Schutzstaffel, while promoting racial segregation and the creation of ethnostates. The ideology is characterized by its vehement antisemitism, white supremacist beliefs, and opposition to liberal democracy, often incorporating conspiracy theories like those about Zionist Occupation Government.

Definition and ideology

Neo-Nazism is fundamentally rooted in the core doctrines of historical Nazism, which emerged in Germany under the National Socialist German Workers' Party. Its ideological pillars include a belief in a racial hierarchy with an Aryan or white master race at its apex, coupled with intense hostility towards Jews, whom they scapegoat in narratives of global control. This worldview is often fused with ultranationalism focused on specific nations or pan-European identity, and a rejection of multiculturalism, immigration, and LGBT rights. Many groups also espouse Holocaust denial, challenging the historical record of the Holocaust as documented at sites like Auschwitz concentration camp.

History

The movement originated among scattered Nazi sympathizers and former members of organizations like the Schutzstaffel in the immediate aftermath of World War II, such as the ODESSA network. It gained more structured form with the rise of groups like the American Nazi Party led by George Lincoln Rockwell in the United States and the National Democratic Party of Germany in the Federal Republic of Germany. The late 20th century saw a transnational evolution, with the dissemination of propaganda through White power music and the rise of skinhead subcultures. Key events that galvanized adherents included the Waco siege, the Ruby Ridge incident, and the execution of Timothy McVeigh.

Organizations and movements

Neo-Nazi activity is organized through a global network of groups, often operating as decentralized cells. Prominent examples include the National Alliance founded by William Luther Pierce, the British Movement in the United Kingdom, and Blood & Honour. In Russia, organizations such as Russian National Unity have been active, while in Greece, Golden Dawn gained parliamentary seats. The Proud Boys, though not exclusively neo-Nazi, have members who espouse similar ideologies. Online, forums like Stormfront and platforms such as Gab serve as major hubs for coordination and recruitment.

Symbols and iconography

Adherents employ a range of symbols to signal allegiance and intimidate opponents. These include direct appropriations from the Third Reich, such as the swastika, the Sig runes of the Schutzstaffel, and imagery of the Führer. Other common symbols are the Celtic cross, the sonnenrad, and numeric codes like 14 and 88, referencing slogans and Hitler's initials. The Black Sun symbol, found at Wewelsburg castle, is also prevalent. Tactical displays include the use of the Nazi salute and the adoption of Fascist symbolism more broadly.

Activities and tactics

Activities range from public demonstrations, such as the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, to clandestine violence. Tactics include the production and distribution of propaganda literature, the organization of White power music concerts, and extensive online radicalization through platforms like Telegram. Violent acts have included hate crimes, arson attacks on mosques and synagogues, and terrorist plots. Groups often engage in paramilitary training, as seen with the The Base, and some have infiltrated institutions like the United States Armed Forces and law enforcement.

Relationship to other ideologies

Neo-Nazism frequently intersects and forms alliances with other far-right and extremist ideologies. There is significant ideological overlap with white nationalism, identitarianism promoted by groups like Generation Identity, and certain strands of accelerationism. It finds common cause with segments of the alt-right and some anti-government movements in the United States, such as certain militia organizations. Historically, there has been collaboration with apartheid-era regimes in South Africa and with other pan-European nationalist movements. It is also intrinsically opposed to antifa groups and anti-racism activists.

Opposition and legal status

Opposition is mounted by governments, non-governmental organizations, and civil society groups. Many countries, including Germany, France, and Austria, have enacted laws criminalizing Holocaust denial and the display of symbols like the swastika. International bodies like the European Court of Human Rights have ruled against neo-Nazi associations. Organizations such as the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Anti-Defamation League monitor activities, while tech companies have deplatformed groups from Facebook and Twitter. Legal crackdowns have targeted organizations from the National Socialist Underground in Germany to the Atomwaffen Division in the United States. Category:Far-right politics Category:Antisemitism Category:Political movements