‘Linkse ratten, rol uw matten!’ The dramatization of collective identity by new radical right youth movements in a context Flemish-nationalism

Abstract

Radical right-wing youth movements are becoming increasingly popular throughout Europe. Inspired by the Alternative-Right in the United States and the Nouvelle Droite from France, these organizations aim move away from the party political, and focus on the preserving cultural and identitarian aspects of society. This ethnographic case-study zooms in on three far-right Flemish-nationalist youth movements in Belgium and explores the motivations of members to join these movements and the diversity of beliefs and ideas that are present among them. It attempts to answer the question how different meanings and perceptions of Flemish identity are performed and reinforced in the contentious repertoire of the new-flamingant radical right. By combining a dramaturgical approach with collective identity theories, this research presents an image of the diverse conceptions of Flemish identity and other social identity groups that are experienced by members and leaders of these organizations. Additionally, it maps the contentious repertoire these movements make use of to communicate their messages to the public. Hence, it shows how and what different perceptions of Flemish identity are performed and crystallized in the digital and physical environments