The use of past events as political symbols in Spain. The example of Vox and the need for a new archaeology of ethnicity

Abstract

ABSTRACT The emergence of far-right positions in Europe and beyond has exposed, once again, the misuse of history and archaeology in the political discourse. The role of social media and new forms of political communication is crucial in this sense. Building from the example of Vox, the latest intrusion into Spanish politics, this article frames the relation between nativist nationalism and the use of historical references as a factor to promote reactionary positions. Furthermore, the direct relation between ethnicity and the pillars of a nation, leads to a critique of the traditional use of the concept in archaeology arguing for the need to settle a more inclusive perspective and make it present in a transformative educational model that can build the basis of a critic society.