National Bolshevism vs. New Left

Attribute	National Bolshevism	New Left
Ideology	Fusion of far-right and far-left ideologies	Left-wing political movement
Origins	Emerging in Russia in the early 20th century	Emerging in Western countries in the 1960s
Focus	Nationalism and socialism	Social justice and anti-capitalism
Key Figures	Ernst Niekisch, Ernst Jünger	Herbert Marcuse, Rudi Dutschke
Views on Communism	Critical of Soviet-style communism	Supportive of socialist and communist ideals

Introduction

National Bolshevism and New Left are two political ideologies that have gained attention in recent years for their unique blend of ideas. While they both have roots in leftist thought, they differ in their approach to issues such as nationalism, socialism, and internationalism. In this article, we will explore the key attributes of National Bolshevism and New Left and compare their similarities and differences.

History and Origins

National Bolshevism emerged in Russia in the early 20th century as a fusion of nationalist and socialist ideas. It was initially associated with a faction of the Russian Communist Party that advocated for a more nationalist approach to socialism. The movement later spread to Germany, where it gained popularity among some far-right groups. New Left, on the other hand, emerged in the 1960s as a response to the perceived failures of traditional leftist movements. It was characterized by its emphasis on cultural and social issues, as well as its rejection of both capitalism and Soviet-style communism.

Political Ideals

One of the key differences between National Bolshevism and New Left is their approach to nationalism. National Bolshevism emphasizes the importance of national identity and sovereignty, often advocating for a strong centralized state. This stands in contrast to New Left, which tends to be more internationalist in its outlook, prioritizing solidarity among oppressed groups across borders. Additionally, National Bolshevism tends to be more authoritarian in its approach to governance, while New Left is more likely to advocate for decentralized, participatory forms of democracy.

Economic Policies

Both National Bolshevism and New Left share a commitment to socialism, but they differ in their economic policies. National Bolshevism tends to favor state control of the economy, with an emphasis on industrial development and protectionism. New Left, on the other hand, often advocates for worker ownership of the means of production and a more decentralized, cooperative economy. Additionally, New Left is more likely to prioritize environmental sustainability and social justice in its economic policies, while National Bolshevism may prioritize economic growth and national security.

Social and Cultural Issues

When it comes to social and cultural issues, National Bolshevism and New Left also have distinct approaches. National Bolshevism tends to emphasize traditional values and cultural identity, often advocating for a return to a perceived golden age of the nation. New Left, on the other hand, tends to be more progressive in its social and cultural outlook, advocating for gender equality, LGBTQ rights, and racial justice. Additionally, New Left is more likely to prioritize issues such as climate change and globalization in its social and cultural agenda.

International Relations

Another key difference between National Bolshevism and New Left is their approach to international relations. National Bolshevism tends to be more isolationist in its outlook, prioritizing national sovereignty and self-sufficiency. This can sometimes lead to conflicts with other nations and international organizations. New Left, on the other hand, tends to be more internationalist in its approach, advocating for solidarity among oppressed groups worldwide and cooperation between nations to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.

Conclusion

In conclusion, National Bolshevism and New Left are two distinct political ideologies with their own unique attributes and approaches to key issues. While they both share a commitment to socialism, they differ in their approach to nationalism, economic policies, social and cultural issues, and international relations. Understanding the similarities and differences between National Bolshevism and New Left can help us better navigate the complex political landscape of the 21st century.