Dusseldorf: Peace Dove Symbolism in the Extremist Right: Discourse on the Ideology and Stances of Radical Conservatives
Title: Peace in Conflict: Examining the Far-Right's Stance on War and Ukraine
Join us for an enlightening lecture night with historian Volker Weiß, as we delve into the complexities of the far-right’s stance on war and peace, specifically in relation to the ongoing Ukraine conflict. This event is a collaboration between SJD - Die Falken Düsseldorf, AG INPUT, the Antifascist Working Group at Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences, and the Anti-Racist Education Forum Rhineland.
Details:The lecture event takes place on Wednesday (14.6.) at 7:30 PM, in Building 3, Room E.001 on the ground floor of Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences, Münsterstr. 156.
In the midst of the ongoing Ukraine war, the lines between political camps and their stances on war and peace have become increasingly blurred. While the left tends to lean towards reason, harmony, and peace, the right is traditionally associated with militarization and war. However, the current situation presents a confusing picture, with some right-wing factions positioning themselves as peace advocates. This lecture aims to shed light on the apparent contradictions, explaining why the current situation is far from new.
The Far-Right's Diverse Steps
It's essential to understand that the far-right’s stance on war and peace is not one-dimensional. In Europe, various far-right and right-wing populist leaders and parties hold contrasting views regarding Ukraine's sovereignty and the appropriate response to Russian aggression. Some champion Ukraine's fight as a matter of national sovereignty and self-determination, advocating for robust support to fend off Russian attacks. Others push for negotiated peace, often expressing concerns about economic costs, energy security, and NATO's role.
Moreover, some Central and Eastern European far-right leaders use the Ukraine issue for electoral gain, cynically exploiting anti-Ukrainian sentiment while avoiding overt opposition to Ukrainian sovereignty. These shifting positions create fractures within European far-right and populist movements, with some actively supporting Ukraine and others aligning with Russian narratives or downplaying the conflict's significance.
Internal Strife and External Influence
Within Ukraine itself, far-right groups gained prominence following the 2014 Maidan protests, playing a significant role in defending the country against Russian aggression. However, their integration into military units and street presence has contributed to internal security challenges and civic life complications, with reports of far-right violence against political rivals going unpunished.
The war in Ukraine has exposed and deepened the faultlines within Europe’s right-wing movements. While some actively support Ukraine, others use the crisis to further nationalist or Eurosceptic agendas, often making questionable alliances with Russian interests. The disconnect between rhetoric and action is a constant theme, with some far-right parties expressing solidarity with Ukraine in public yet proposing policy measures that undermine substantive support for the country.
In conclusion, the far-right’s stance on war and peace in relation to Ukraine is multifaceted, with some promoting unity and defense, others advocating for peace at any cost, and others playing on the issue for political gain. Their actions often contrast with their words, making it crucial to scrutinize their motivations and investigate their true intentions. Join us at the lecture to further unravel this intricate web of interests and ideologies.
- The ongoing Ukraine war has led to a blurring of lines between political camps, with some far-right factions unexpectedly advocating for peace, demonstrating the complex and diverse stances on war and conflicts within the far-right community.
- Food for thought in the discussion on war and peace: While some far-right parties publically support Ukraine, their support is often superficial, as they may propose policies that undermine substantive assistance, indicating the intricate interplay of politics, general news, and war-and-conflicts in far-right stances.
