7.2 Characteristics of ultranationalist ideologies

Ultranationalism takes patriotism to extremes, placing national interests above all else. It often involves racial supremacy, xenophobia, and authoritarianism. Charismatic leaders play a crucial role, inspiring devotion and building cults of personality.

Propaganda is a key tool in ultranationalist movements, using repetition, symbolism, and mass mobilization. These ideologies often incorporate racism, anti-Semitism, and expansionism, reinforcing in-group/out-group dynamics to broaden their appeal.

Core Elements of Ultranationalism

Core tenets of ultranationalism

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• Ultranationalism elevates national interests above all else often advocating for racial or ethnic supremacy (Nazi Germany, Imperial Japan)
• Extreme patriotism manifests as unwavering devotion to one's nation rejecting any criticism and promoting belief in national superiority (North Korea, Fascist Italy)
• Xenophobia fuels fear and hatred of foreigners promoting cultural homogeneity and hostility towards immigrants and minorities (Golden Dawn in Greece, National Front in France)
• Authoritarianism concentrates power in a single leader or party suppressing opposition and limiting individual freedoms and civil liberties (Stalinist Soviet Union, Francoist Spain)

Charismatic leadership in ultranationalism

• Charismatic leaders possess magnetic personalities inspiring and mobilizing masses often portrayed as saviors or messiahs (Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini)
• Cult of personality idealizes and worships the leader extensively using their image in propaganda and attributing superhuman qualities (Mao Zedong, Kim Il-sung)
• Impact on movements unifies followers under a single figurehead reinforcing loyalty and justifying authoritarian policies (Fidel Castro in Cuba, Hugo Chávez in Venezuela)

Propaganda and Ideology in Ultranationalism

Propaganda in ultranationalist movements

• Propaganda techniques employ repetition of key messages and slogans making emotional appeals to fear, pride, and anger while simplifying complex issues (Goebbels' Reich Ministry of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda)
• Symbolism utilizes flags, emblems, and national colors creating new symbols representing the movement and appropriating historical or cultural icons (Nazi swastika, Italian fasces)
• Mass mobilization strategies organize large-scale rallies and demonstrations establishing youth organizations and indoctrination programs coordinated with media campaigns (Hitler Youth, Balilla)

Ultranationalism vs other ideologies

• Racism in ultranationalist ideologies promotes belief in racial hierarchies advocating for racial purity and discriminating against minority groups (Apartheid South Africa, White Australia policy)
• Anti-Semitism scapegoats Jewish people propagating conspiracy theories about Jewish influence rooted in historical European nationalism (Dreyfus Affair, Nazi Germany)
• Expansionism pursues irredentist claims on neighboring territories promoting concepts like "living space" justifying military aggression (Imperial Japan's Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, Italian Fascist "spazio vitale")
• Interconnections between ideologies reinforce in-group/out-group dynamics exploiting existing prejudices and fears to broaden appeal (Ustase in Croatia, Arrow Cross Party in Hungary)