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Reimagining the Medieval: The Utility of Ethnonational Symbols for Reactionary Transnational Social Movements

Author

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  • Matthew Godwin

    (Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, UK)

  • Elisabeth Trischler

    (Institute for Medieval Studies, University of Leeds, UK)

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 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.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew Godwin & Elisabeth Trischler, 2021. "Reimagining the Medieval: The Utility of Ethnonational Symbols for Reactionary Transnational Social Movements," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 9(3), pages 215-226.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:poango:v9:y:2021:i:3:p:215-226
    DOI: 10.17645/pag.v9i3.3979
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