Neo-Nazism is a political ideology that emerged after World War II, drawing upon the ideas and principles of the National Socialist German Workers' Party, commonly known as the Nazi Party, which was led by Adolf Hitler. Neo-Nazism is characterized by its proponents' admiration for the Nazi regime, and their desire to revive its ideologies, symbols, and practices. It is a far-right political movement that often incorporates elements of white supremacy, ultranationalism, xenophobia, and Holocaust denial.
The roots of Neo-Nazism can be traced back to the immediate aftermath of World War II, when remnants of the Nazi Party began to regroup and reorganize. These early Neo-Nazi groups were largely composed of former members of the Nazi Party and the Waffen-SS, who sought to continue the work of the Third Reich. However, they were largely unsuccessful in gaining significant political power due to the widespread revulsion towards Nazism in the aftermath of the Holocaust.
In the decades following World War II, Neo-Nazism began to evolve and spread beyond Germany. In the United States, for example, Neo-Nazi groups such as the American Nazi Party emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, drawing on the ideologies of white supremacy and anti-Semitism. In the United Kingdom, the British National Party and National Front have been associated with Neo-Nazi ideologies.
Neo-Nazism has also found a foothold in various other countries around the world, often merging with other far-right ideologies and movements. For example, in Russia, Neo-Nazi groups have combined elements of Russian nationalism with admiration for Hitler and the Third Reich. In Greece, the Golden Dawn party, which has been described as Neo-Nazi, gained significant political power in the 2010s.
Despite its global spread, Neo-Nazism remains a fringe ideology that is widely condemned by mainstream society. It is often associated with violence, terrorism, and hate crimes, and many countries have laws prohibiting the promotion of Nazi ideology or the display of Nazi symbols. Nonetheless, Neo-Nazism continues to pose a significant challenge to societies around the world, particularly in times of social and economic instability.
