Golden Dawn

Definition

Golden Dawn is a far-right political party in Greece, known for its ultranationalist ideology, anti-immigrant sentiments, and connections to neo-Nazism. The party gained notoriety in the early 2010s, appealing to nationalist sentiments during Greece's economic crisis, and has been associated with violent actions and hate crimes against minority groups.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Golden Dawn was founded in 1980 but rose to prominence during Greece's economic crisis in 2012, when it gained significant electoral support.
2. The party's emblem features a black sun symbol reminiscent of Nazi insignia, reflecting its connections to far-right extremism.
3. Golden Dawn members have been implicated in numerous violent attacks against immigrants and political opponents, leading to widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally.
4. In 2013, the Greek government arrested several leaders of Golden Dawn following the murder of leftist rapper Pavlos Fyssas by a party member, highlighting the party's criminal activities.
5. Despite its decline in popularity following legal crackdowns and public backlash, Golden Dawn's ideology continues to influence other far-right movements across Europe.

Review Questions

• What are some key characteristics of Golden Dawn's ultranationalist ideology, and how did it gain support during Greece's economic crisis?
  • Golden Dawn's ultranationalist ideology is characterized by a focus on ethnic purity, anti-immigrant rhetoric, and the promotion of Greek superiority. During Greece's economic crisis, the party capitalized on widespread discontent and fear, offering simple solutions that resonated with many citizens. Their promise to restore national pride and security attracted voters who felt neglected by mainstream political parties.
• Discuss the implications of Golden Dawn's violent actions on Greek society and its perception internationally.
  • Golden Dawn's violent actions have led to increased tensions within Greek society, as their attacks on immigrants and leftist activists have sparked fear and division. The party's behavior has drawn significant international criticism, leading many to label Greece as a rising hub for far-right extremism. This situation has raised concerns about human rights violations and the safety of minority communities in Greece.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Golden Dawn on Greek politics and its potential influence on other European far-right movements.
  • The long-term impact of Golden Dawn on Greek politics includes a normalization of far-right rhetoric and policies within the political landscape. Despite its legal challenges and decline in electoral support, its ideology continues to resonate with some segments of the population. Additionally, Golden Dawn has served as a model for other far-right movements across Europe, demonstrating how economic distress can fuel nationalist sentiments and lead to increased radicalization among citizens disillusioned with traditional political structures.

Related terms

Ultranationalism: An extreme form of nationalism that emphasizes the interests of one nation above all others, often leading to xenophobia and the exclusion of outsiders.

Neo-Nazism: A post-World War II ideology that seeks to revive the beliefs and practices of Nazism, characterized by white supremacy, anti-Semitism, and the rejection of democracy.

Populism: A political approach that seeks to represent the interests of ordinary people against the elite, often employing nationalist rhetoric to gain support.