The Apex of Allegiance
A scholarly examination of ultranationalism, the extremist ideology that elevates the nation above all else, often with violent and totalitarian consequences.
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Defining Ultranationalism
An Extreme Ideology
Ultranationalism, or extreme nationalism, represents a radical form of nationalism where a state asserts or maintains supremacy, hegemony, or other forms of control over other nations. This pursuit of national interest is frequently advanced through violent coercion.[1][2][3] Entities driven by this ideology have been associated with significant political violence, even in times of peace.[4]
The Organic State
Political theorist Roger Griffin posits that ultranationalism emerges from a conception of the modern nation-state as a living organism. Within this framework, societies are mythologically divided into those perceived as degenerately inferior and those believed to possess a great cultural destiny. This perspective views the nation as capable of growth, decay, and even rebirth, a concept central to fascist ideologies.[3]
The Fascist Connection
According to scholar Janusz Bugajski, ultranationalism in its most developed form closely resembles fascism. It is characterized by a xenophobic disdain for other nations, support for authoritarian political structures that border on totalitarianism, and a mythical emphasis on the "organic unity" between a charismatic leader, a movement-style party, and the nation itself.[6]
The Ideological Framework
Mythicized Narratives
Roger Griffin argues that ultranationalism is fundamentally rooted in xenophobia, deriving its perceived legitimacy from deeply mythicized narratives of past cultural or political greatness. It often invokes "old scores to settle" against alleged enemies. This ideology can also co-opt "vulgarized forms" of natural sciences, particularly eugenics, to rationalize ideas of national superiority, destiny, degeneracy, and the subhumanness of others.[3]
Varying Expressions
Ultranationalist movements can adopt diverse attitudes towards historical traditions. For example, the British Union of Fascists embraced a secularist platform focused on technological progress. In stark contrast, the Iron Guard in Romania utilized a hardline, mysticism-driven form of religion to galvanize its followers. Despite these differences, obsessive views on ethnicity and the romanticization of sacrifice are common psychological underpinnings.[3]
Historical Manifestations
Imperial Japan
In his work Japan's Holy War, historian Walter Skya details how Japanese ultranationalism drew upon traditional Shinto spiritual beliefs and militaristic views on racial identity. By the early 20th century, this fusion of ethnic and religious nationalism fueled fanaticism, leading to opposition against democratic governance and justifying territorial expansion. This ideology received widespread popular support and was linked to significant political violence, including the assassination of five current or former prime ministers between 1921 and 1936.[4]
Democratic Kampuchea
The Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia provides a stark example of ultranationalism in practice. Historian Sambo Manara argues that the regime's belief system promoted a vision of supremacism and extreme xenophobia, leading to policies of social segregation. He states, "it was ultranationalism, combined with the notion of class struggle in communism and a group of politicians, which lead to the establishment of Democratic Kampuchea, a ruthless regime which claimed approximately three million lives."[7]
Ceaușescu's Romania
The totalitarian dictatorship of Nicolae Ceaușescu has been described as an instance of Communism adopting an ultranationalist character. This was evident in the regime's antisemitism, which included historical denialism of the Holocaust and efforts to purge Romanians of Jewish background from positions of political authority.[8]
Modern Russia
Russian irredentism, which proposes a militant imperial state stretching across Asia and Europe irrespective of current borders, has been identified as a form of ultranationalism. The political arguments of figures like Aleksandr Dugin and Ivan Ilyin are seen as ideological precursors to the aggressive actions of Vladimir Putin, including the justifications for the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which was framed as a necessary struggle against a hostile "empire of lies."[11]
Ultranationalism & Political Violence
The LTTE in Sri Lanka
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) emerged from a context of strident Sri Lankan Tamil nationalism. Motivated by ultranationalism and revolutionary ideologies, the LTTE orchestrated a decades-long campaign of terrorism. Their actions, such as the 1985 Anuradhapura massacre of over one hundred civilians, demonstrate the violent potential of this ideology. The Journal of Hate Studies noted that for such groups, "ultranationalism subordinates all other claims for loyalty," explaining the commitment of militants to even engage in suicide missions.[275][276][277]
Golden Dawn in Greece
The Greek political organization Golden Dawn, characterized as an extremist party adapting neo-Nazi beliefs, gained prominence amid debates over immigration. Their campaign of violence culminated in the 2013 assassination of left-wing musician Pavlos Fyssas. The murder triggered widespread outrage and a police crackdown, leading to an October 2020 verdict that saw the party's leadership receive lengthy prison sentences for running a criminal organization.[278][279][280]
Parties & Organizations
Global Political Landscape
Ultranationalist ideologies have been, and continue to be, represented by numerous political parties and organizations across the globe. These groups often share characteristics such as xenophobia, authoritarianism, and a rejection of liberal democratic norms. The following table provides a non-exhaustive list of such entities, categorized by their political status.
Portrayals in Fiction
Air Force One (1997)
The action film features Gary Oldman as Egor Korshunov, a fanatical Kazakh ultranationalist who hijacks the U.S. presidential plane. A former Soviet soldier, Korshunov's actions are driven by a desire to restore his nation's perceived greatness and secure the release of an imprisoned dictator, embodying the ideology's commitment to radical action for nationalistic goals.[281][282]
Incitement (2019)
This Israeli film offers a fictionalized account of Yigal Amir, the ultranationalist activist who assassinated Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995. The movie explores the psychological journey of its protagonist, portraying how a combination of religious fervor and extreme political ideology can culminate in an act of political violence intended to alter the course of a nation.[283][284]
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Series
This popular video game series (2007-2011) prominently features a fictional Russian ultranationalist faction as its primary antagonist. The narrative explores a world where this group seizes power in Russia, leading to a global conflict. The games depict the faction's willingness to use extreme violence and terrorism to achieve its goal of restoring a Russian empire, reflecting ultranationalist themes of expansionism and historical revanchism.[285][286]
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References
References
- Ultranationalism. Oxford English Dictionary. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- Ultranationalism. Collins English Dictionary. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/arts/music/28abroad.html: "the ultranationalist Swiss People's Party"
- Religious Zionism, Otzma Yehudit parties to run together, Arutz7
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