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Reimagining the Medieval: The Utility of Ethnonational Symbols for Reactionary Transnational Social Movements
[journal article]
Abstract Scholars have explored the rise of far-right reactionary political parties in Europe over the last decade. However, social movements reflecting similar political orientations have rarely been conceptualized as "reactionary". To better understand the political orientations of reactionary transnationa... view more
Scholars have explored the rise of far-right reactionary political parties in Europe over the last decade. However, social movements reflecting similar political orientations have rarely been conceptualized as "reactionary". To better understand the political orientations of reactionary transnational social movements such as the Identitarians and the Defence Leagues, we explore how and why ethnonational symbols derived from the medieval period are utilized by adherents. This interdisciplinary investigation argues that, through processes of mediated political medievalism, ethnonational symbols are used as strategic framing devices to reimagine an idealized "golden age" of distinct European nations, to assign blame for the erosion of ethnonational identity through multiculturalism, immigration and "Islamization", to establish an intergenerational struggle against the supposed incursion of Islam in Europe, and to proscribe and justify the use of violence as a means of re-establishing the primacy of European nations.... view less
Keywords
social movement; transnationality; political right; political ideology; symbol; Europe
Classification
Political Process, Elections, Political Sociology, Political Culture
Free Keywords
Defence League; Identitarians; crusades; ethnonational symbols; medievalism; reactionary movements
Document language
English
Publication Year
2021
Page/Pages
p. 215-226
Journal
Politics and Governance, 9 (2021) 3
Issue topic
Reactionary Politics and Resentful Affect in Populist Times
ISSN
2183-2463
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed