Definition
The term ’neo-Nazism‘ refers to a political grouping which has as its core characteristic the „endeavor (after 1945) to revive National Socialism“. The main characteristics of the group’s ideology are nationalism, racism, and a demand for an authoritarian „Führerstaat“ and the abolition of democratic principles. In contrast to subcultural right-wing extremism, neo-Nazis are characterized by stronger political activism. A larger part of the neo-Nazi scene identifies directly with the orientation of the political leadership and the racist sentiments of the Nazi era, in which this authoritarian state order is seen as the ideal. „In parts of the scene, however, Adolf Hitler’s policies are seen as a departure from the „pure doctrine“ of supposedly true National Socialism.“
Emergence and spread
Beginning around the end of the 1970s, neo-Nazi groups began to form, primarily in the GDR (1949-1990), which, unlike Altnazis, have no direct connection to the Third Reich and Adolf Hitler’s regime. Representatives of neo-Nazism are thus primarily young people who espouse the ideologies of National Socialism and also show a greater willingness to use violence.
In 1996, the NPD (National Democratic Party of Germany) federal chairman Udo Voigt succeeded in winning over more and more sections and groups of the extreme right-wing spectrum to his party, whereupon public political activity has also increasingly increased. Since 1997, more than 100 demonstrations, marches and rallies of the radical right have been held annually.
In 2000, numerous associations were banned because of the high level of aggression and willingness to use violence, and loose associations of people, also called comradeships, were formed. There are 2200 neo-Nazis counted.
For the year 2007, the neo-Nazi potential is estimated by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution at about 4400 persons and there are about 107 neo-Nazi groups and organizations. A little over 5,000 right-wing extremists usually appear at public events.
From 2010, the numbers of public events decreased, as activists repeatedly acted against them. The Office for the Protection of the Constitution counts 153 neo-Nazi groups and 5,600 neo-Nazis.
Characteristics and influence
Supporters of neo-Nazism can be identified on the basis of various characteristics:
– they represent a politically extreme, radical attitude which is displayed, advocated and witnessed
– the liberal, democratic basic order is strictly rejected
– they have a desire for an authoritarian and totalitarian state system
– they represent violent, racist and nationalistic ideas
– other nations are described as inferior
– the desire for a national community based on „race“, which restricts the fundamental rights of the individual and rejects democracy
– they are convinced of anti-pluralism
– they demand a leader state with a militarized principle of order
– there is a constant denial or relativization of National Socialism and the 3rd Reich, which is considered the ideal of a state order
– Aggressive agitation against foreigners, immigrants and refugees
In the past, supporters and advocates of extreme right-wing political views could often be recognized by their appearance. Bomber jackets, Springer boots and skinheads were the typical outward appearance. Today, however, this is only one of several prejudices.
In public, runes (e.g.: black sun), signs from Nordic mythology (for example, the white Celtic cross as a symbol for the „white race“) or similar symbols are often used by the groups to identify themselves. Likewise, the following numerical codes are repeatedly used in public: 18 (Adolf Hitler), 88 (Heil Hitler), 14 (14 words – David Lane), 19/8 Sieg Heil), 28 (blood and honor), and many more. .
Such symbols and signs are used in public, respectively painted or written, to provoke opponents and to strengthen the sense of belonging and community when reading. Events such as the festival of the solstice or „Ostara“ festivals are also used as a pretext to meet as a right-wing extremist subculture. Likewise, certain brands, clothing or music styles express a certain affiliation:
– Appearance as skinheads (so that an advantage is given in conflicts or disputes).
– certain music groups and bands (Black Metal, Dark Wave)
– certain brands such as Lonsdale were worn by many neo-Nazis. such brands confessed several times against the extreme subculture and many opponents of this began to wear them to provoke
– laces are worn in two colors (one red, one white – blood & honor)
– Doc Martens brand deliberately started to produce jumping boots in order to bring them among people, so that they would lose their negative meaning
– the brand New Balance was often worn by NN because of the „N“ on the shoes (also publicly confessed against NN)
– Helly Hanson is often worn („H.. H.“)
– Brands like Dobermann, Pitbull, Troublemaker, Streetwear, ProViolence are often associated with right-wing extremists.
– the brand Dobermann has admitted connections with the right-wing scene and intentionally sells the clothes in stores with, for example, Pitbull to provoke. Since the clothes have a similar style, both brands are attributed the connections to the right-wing scene
All neo-Nazis are right-wing extremists, but not all right-wing extremists are neo-Nazis. You can’t tell if someone belongs to the neo-Nazism subculture or not based on their outward appearance.
Neo-Nazism is a political and ideological movement based on the foundations of Nazism. Neo-Nazis often strive for an ethnically homogeneous society in which white races are considered superior. They are usually anti-liberal, anti-democratic, and anti-pluralistic, and advocate violence and terrorism as a means to achieve their goals.
Current examples of neo-Nazism are unfortunately still evident in many parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Australia. Here are some of the recent incidents and developments:
– In Germany, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) entered the Bundestag and has since not completely shed its roots in the neo-Nazi scene. There are also a growing number of right-wing groups and individuals who openly embrace National Socialism.
– In the U.S., the rise of Donald Trump has strengthened the right-wing movement and led to an increase in hate crimes. One example is the attack on the Capitol building in January 2021 by Trump supporters, which featured numerous neo-Nazi symbols and slogans.
– In Sweden, the far-right Nordic Resistance Movement has gained influence in recent years and has carried out several violent attacks. The group has close ties to the neo-Nazi scene and advocates the use of violence to achieve its political goals.
– Australia has seen an increase in right-wing groups and activities in recent years, including those with ties to neo-Nazism. One example is the group Antipodean Resistance, which is known for its violent actions and neo-Nazi views.
These examples show that neo-Nazism is still a real threat to society and that we must continue to oppose this ideology and its supporters.
Literature
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Egenberger, Christopher (2008): Woran erkennen ich Rechtsextreme? https://www.bpb.de/politik/extremismus/rechtsextremismus/41314/woran-erkenne-ich-rechtsextreme?p=0 (last accessed on 04.12.2020)
Hennig Eike (1993) Neo-Nazi Militancy and Xenophobic Lifestyles in the „Old“ and „New“ Federal Republic of Germany. In: Otto HU., Merten R. (eds) Rechtsradikale Gewalt im vereinigten Deutschland. VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften, Wiesbaden.https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-322-97285-9_5 (last accessed 04.12.2020).
Nandlinger, Gabriele: When do we speak of right-wing extremism, right-wing radicalism or neo-Nazism….? 25.07.2008. https://www.bpb.de/politik/extremismus/rechtsextremismus/41312/was-ist-rechtsextrem?p=1 (last accessed on 04.12.2020)
Radke, Johannes: Der rechtsextreme „Kampf um die Straße,“ 14.05.2014, https://www.bpb.de//politik/extremismus/rechtsextremismus/184385/der-rechtsextreme-kampf-um-die-strasse (last accessed 04.12.2020).
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