The Centrality of Antisemitism in Nazi Ideology: Beyond an Accident

1. The Misconception of Antisemitism as a Secondary Element

Many still view the Nazi regime’s focus on antisemitism as incidental rather than central to its ideology. This misconception arises from the tendency to interpret Nazi rhetoric as mere political strategy, designed to manipulate the masses rather than a deeply held belief system. However, historical evidence shows that Nazi leadership consistently prioritized the persecution of Jews, culminating in the Holocaust. This was not an opportunistic policy but an ideological commitment that shaped their broader political agenda.

2. Antisemitism as the ‘Chief Discovery’ of Nazism

The Nazis positioned antisemitism as their primary ideological insight, framing Jews as the central enemy in world politics. They saw the “Jewish question” as the core issue that justified their policies, from economic restructuring to military expansion. Public opinion, however, often dismissed this as mere propaganda. Yet, Nazi policies—such as the Nuremberg Laws (1935), Kristallnacht (1938), and the Wannsee Conference (1942)—demonstrate that their anti-Jewish stance was not simply a mobilization tool but a defining feature of their governance.

3. The Disproportionate Impact of the ‘Jewish Question’ on World History

One of the most perplexing aspects of 20th-century history is how the Nazi obsession with Jews—who formed a small minority in Germany and Europe—triggered catastrophic global consequences. The Holocaust, combined with the displacement and statelessness of Jewish survivors, reshaped geopolitics, influencing the foundation of Israel (1948) and altering international human rights discourse. The vast scale of destruction stemming from what seemed like a “small” issue challenges conventional historical logic and demands deeper examination.

4. The Flawed Association Between Antisemitism and Nationalism

A common but misleading explanation for Nazi antisemitism is its association with extreme nationalism and xenophobia. However, antisemitism in Europe intensified not as nationalism peaked, but as the traditional nation-state system weakened. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the decline of stable national identities, economic disruptions, and social anxieties—all of which fueled a search for scapegoats. The Nazis capitalized on these fears, directing them toward Jews rather than focusing solely on nationalistic unity.

5. The Collapse of European Stability and the Rise of Racial Hatred

The timing of Nazi antisemitism aligns with the disintegration of Europe’s nation-state equilibrium. After World War I, economic crises, political instability, and the Treaty of Versailles (1919) created fertile ground for extremist ideologies. Rather than being an extension of conventional nationalism, Nazi antisemitism emerged as a radical response to a collapsing order, offering a perverse but powerful narrative that blamed Jews for Germany’s hardships.

Conclusion

Nazi antisemitism was not a peripheral tactic but a fundamental ideological pillar, shaping both domestic policy and international aggression. Dismissing it as a mere political tool underestimates the extent to which it influenced the Nazi worldview and, consequently, the course of world history. Understanding this centrality is crucial in preventing the recurrence of similar destructive ideologies.

The Supranational Nature of Nazi Antisemitism: Beyond Nationalism

1. The Nazi Rejection of Traditional Nationalism

Contrary to common assumptions, the Nazis were not merely nationalists in the traditional sense. While their nationalist rhetoric was used to mobilize the masses, their core ideology was inherently supranational. Their vision extended beyond the German nation-state, aiming for a broader racial and ideological reordering of the world. Unlike conventional nationalists who sought to strengthen their own state within defined borders, the Nazis pursued a transnational movement that sought global influence, similar in ambition to the Bolsheviks but centered around racial purity rather than class struggle.

2. The Use of Nationalist Propaganda as a Tool

The Nazis employed nationalist propaganda selectively, using it to manipulate and mobilize the masses but never allowing their core members to be confined by it. Their leadership maintained a clear distinction between propaganda for public consumption and their actual ideological goals. This strategic use of nationalism is comparable to the Soviet Union’s approach, where nationalism was employed as a means of control rather than as a guiding political philosophy. For instance, while Nazi propaganda emphasized national pride and revenge for the Treaty of Versailles, their long-term ambitions focused on racial expansion and global ideological dominance rather than merely restoring Germany’s territorial integrity.

3. Nazi Antisemitism as an International Doctrine

Far from being a product of narrow nationalism, Nazi antisemitism was an international doctrine. The Nazis viewed Jews as a global enemy whose influence transcended national borders. Their efforts to persecute Jews were not confined to Germany; they pressured occupied and allied nations, such as France, Hungary, and Romania, to adopt anti-Jewish policies. The Holocaust itself was a transnational project, with deportations and extermination programs spanning across Europe. This international character of Nazi antisemitism underscores how it was not a nationalist phenomenon but a broader ideological crusade.

4. The Historical Internationalism of Antisemitic Movements

The international dimension of Nazi antisemitism was not a new development. The first explicitly antisemitic political parties in the late 19th century, such as those in Austria-Hungary and Germany, were among the earliest to form international alliances. These groups organized congresses and coordinated activities across Europe, demonstrating that antisemitism had long been a transnational movement. This historical precedent refutes the notion that antisemitism is inherently linked to nationalism; rather, it has often been an ideology that unites reactionary forces across national boundaries.

Conclusion

Nazi ideology was not rooted in traditional nationalism but in a broader, supranational vision that sought racial hegemony rather than national strength alone. Their antisemitic agenda, rather than being a localized prejudice, was a transnational campaign that influenced policies across multiple countries. Recognizing this distinction is crucial to understanding how the Nazis operated and how similar ideological movements can transcend national borders even today.