White Nationalist vs. White Supremacist

Attribute	White Nationalist	White Supremacist
Belief in the superiority of the white race	Yes	Yes
Advocacy for a white ethnostate	Yes	Yes
Use of violence to achieve goals	Sometimes	Often
Belief in the need to preserve white culture and identity	Yes	Yes
Belief in the inferiority of other races	No	Yes

Definition

White Nationalists and White Supremacists are often grouped together due to their shared beliefs in the superiority of the white race. However, there are key differences between the two ideologies. White Nationalists believe in the creation of a separate white ethnostate, where only white people are allowed to live. On the other hand, White Supremacists believe that white people are inherently superior to people of other races and should dominate them.

Beliefs

White Nationalists typically advocate for the preservation of white culture and identity, often promoting the idea of a homogeneous society. They may also support policies that restrict immigration and promote the interests of white people. White Supremacists, on the other hand, believe in the complete domination of white people over other races. They often promote racist ideologies and may advocate for violence against non-white individuals.

Methods

White Nationalists may use political activism, lobbying, and peaceful protests to advance their agenda of creating a white ethnostate. They may also engage in community organizing and cultural preservation efforts. White Supremacists, on the other hand, are more likely to use violence, hate speech, and intimidation tactics to promote their beliefs. They may be involved in hate groups or terrorist organizations.

Public Perception

White Nationalists are often seen as less extreme than White Supremacists by the general public. They may try to distance themselves from the violent actions of White Supremacist groups and present themselves as defenders of white culture. However, both ideologies are widely condemned for their racist beliefs and actions. White Nationalists may try to present themselves as more mainstream and acceptable, while White Supremacists are often viewed as dangerous extremists.

History

White Nationalism has roots in the concept of nationalism, which emphasizes the importance of a shared cultural identity and heritage. It has been present in various forms throughout history, including in the United States and Europe. White Supremacy, on the other hand, has a darker history rooted in slavery, colonialism, and racial segregation. It has been associated with hate groups such as the Ku Klux Klan and neo-Nazi organizations.

Violence

While both White Nationalists and White Supremacists may promote violence against non-white individuals, White Supremacists are more likely to engage in acts of terrorism and hate crimes. White Nationalists may focus more on political activism and cultural preservation efforts, although some individuals within the movement may resort to violence. Both ideologies have been linked to acts of violence and domestic terrorism.

Recruitment

White Nationalists and White Supremacists may use similar tactics to recruit new members, such as online propaganda, social media, and community events. They may target disaffected individuals who feel marginalized or disenfranchised. White Nationalists may try to appeal to individuals who are concerned about issues such as immigration and cultural diversity, while White Supremacists may target individuals who are more openly racist and hostile towards non-white people.

Legal Status

Both White Nationalist and White Supremacist groups may face legal challenges due to their promotion of hate speech and violence. In some countries, such as Germany, White Nationalist and White Supremacist organizations are banned and considered terrorist groups. In the United States, these groups may face scrutiny from law enforcement agencies and be monitored for potential criminal activities. The legal status of these groups varies depending on the country and their actions.