On February 24, the founding of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) marked not just the birth of a political movement but the beginning of an ideological wave that led to one of the darkest chapters in human history. Adolf Hitler and his followers propagated ideas that thrived on a toxic mix of racism, nationalism, and totalitarianism. These ideologies not only engulfed Germany but dragged the entire world into the depths of tragedy, culminating in World War II and the Holocaust.
Today, more than a century later, we are not only compelled to remember what happened but also to recognize how these ideologies continue to shape our present. For the peoples of Eastern Europe, whose families were profoundly affected by the war, history is not just the past but a recurring shadow that still influences political and social dynamics.
The Legacy of National Socialism: A Past That Does Not Fade
National Socialism was not merely a historical event; it was an ideological system deeply embedded in social and political structures. Racism, nationalism, and totalitarianism did not cease to exist in 1945. These ideas have resurfaced in new forms and contexts, continuing to influence global politics today. In the USA, Russia, Ukraine, and even Western democracies, we see phenomena that can be paralleled with 20th-century ideologies, albeit in their modern variations.
In the United States, the idea of white supremacy and far-right movements have regained strength. The "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement is not just a political campaign but part of an ideological wave that promotes nationalism and exclusion. While not identical to the racist ideology propagated by the National Socialists, it shares a common element: the creation of an enemy image and the reinforcement of collective identity. Hostility towards migration, globalization, and multiculturalism reflects a form of modern nationalism, where the "national interest" is often prioritized at the expense of minorities and foreigners.
In Russia, the Putin regime has constructed an authoritarian ideology built on the idealization of national greatness and historical legacy. The revival of Russian imperialism, evident in the occupation of Ukraine, is not just a geopolitical strategy but part of an ideological framework where the concept of a "great Russia" comes at the expense of neighboring nations. This nationalist narrative, which portrays Russia as the "guardian of world order," can be compared to the National Socialist idea of "German superiority." Although the methods and rhetoric differ, the essence remains the same: strengthening national identity at the expense of others.
Ukraine, which is now a victim of war and aggression, finds itself in a struggle where the fight for national self-determination is also a battle for democratic values. The Ukrainian resistance is not only against Russian aggression but also against an ideological system that threatens national sovereignty and human dignity.
Eastern Europe: The Rise of Populism and Autocracy
The countries of Eastern Europe embarked on a democratic path after the collapse of the Soviet Union, but in recent years, there has been a noticeable slide back towards autocracy. Populist leaders are consolidating their power under the banner of protecting national identity while systematically dismantling democratic institutions. This trend is particularly strong in Hungary and Slovakia.
In Hungary, Viktor Orbán and Fidesz have built a system where the government controls the media, the judiciary, and economic resources. The party's policies are based on a nationalist-populist ideology that thrives on creating "enemy images" and dividing society. Sometimes Brussels, sometimes migrants, and sometimes the "global elite" symbolized by George Soros are scapegoated to justify their actions.
The Hungarian government openly supports far-right parties across Western Europe and aligns itself with nationalist and populist forces such as Marine Le Pen's party in France and Matteo Salvini's League in Italy. Orbán himself advocates for an "illiberal democracy," where the "national interest" is prioritized over democratic institutions.
The historical parallels are alarming. National Socialism also began as a nationalist-populist movement that exploited people's fears and dissatisfaction. History does not repeat itself in the exact same way, but autocratic systems use similar methods: suppressing the press, influencing the judiciary, eliminating political opposition, and keeping society in fear.
The Writer’s Responsibility: Remembrance and Warning
As a Central European writer whose family was deeply affected by World War II, I do not only carry the memory of the past but also the weight of responsibility. A writer is not just a storyteller but a witness. The lessons of history must not be forgotten, for the past repeats itself if we fail to learn from it.
In the modern world, where an overwhelming flood of information and media manipulation often obscure reality, the writer’s task is to illuminate the truth. History is not just the past—it is also the present. And if we do not resist the ideologies that have caused so much suffering before, our future will be just as dark.
Remembrance is necessary not only for the past but for the future. If we fail to learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it.