Autonome Nationalisten

Autonome Nationalisten ("Autonomous Nationalists," abbreviated AN) are German, Dutch^[1] and to a lesser degree Flemish^[2] neo-Nazis who have adopted some of the far left's traditional dress (black clothing, Che Guevara T-shirts, keffiyehs), symbolism, and tactics (black bloc).^[3][4][5] They began to appear in 2003-4 and are more violent than other members of the far right.^[4][6] The AN are ideologically inspired by Strasserism.^[7] Mareš writes that they are "a strategic concept, organization and subculture – all three terms are possible for the designation of this phenomenon."^[7] In 2008 Germany's Autonomous Nationalists were estimated to number approximately 400 people, 10% of the country's neo-Nazis.^[6][8]

Their emergence was controversial within the German far right, both because some older activists objected to their "leftist" image and because the National Democratic Party of Germany feared they would complicate its efforts to take part in mainstream politics.^[7]

Similar groups have also appeared in some Eastern European countries, beginning with the Czech Republic, but their impact in those areas has been limited.^[7]

Autonomous Nationalists have from time to time also aligned themselves with Islamic extremists arguing Islamic fundamentalism is anti-Semitic, homophobic, anti-imperialist as they are allegedly not under the influence of 'imperialist' America. Some Autonomous Nationalists wear shirts portraying Osama bin Laden ^[9].

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