National Socialisms in Clinch

Abstract

Norwegian fascist activism outside Norway remains an understudied topic. Focussing on the organisation Norwegian National Socialists in Germany [Norske Nasjonalsosialister i Tyskland, NNST] as part of the landscape of Nordic fascism, this chapter contributes to the development of the research field by placing Nordic fascist activities in an international context. Established in 1933, NNST entertained networks with the National Socialist regime in Germany, Nordic fascist groups, and similar Norwegian organisations. Although they never grew large or became particularly visible outside their political milieu, their case gives clear indications of self-image, ambitions, and forms of cooperation which clarify the fuzzy picture of Nordic fascism. Considering themselves as “true” representatives of National Socialism, NNST regarded themselves as most capable of introducing the ideology to Norway, hindering cooperation with like-minded groups there. Like other Nordic fascists based in Germany, they primarily identified with German National Socialism. However, there was a gap between the organisation's self-perception and the political priorities of the German regime. Once the “New Order” in Norway was established, NNST never got the role they expected and, like many other fascist groups, tried to make governing as difficult as possible, clearly underlining the fragmented character of Nordic fascism.