by Richard Martin
Antisemitism has long been a sinister thread running through human history, deeply embedded in both right-wing and left-wing extremism. This irrational obsession with Jews, which has persisted through centuries, draws on ancient archetypes and myths that continue to fuel contemporary ideological conflicts. As Strategic Epistemology (SE) and Worldview Warfare (WW) frameworks illustrate, modern antisemitism is more than just an expression of prejudice; it represents a deliberate and calculated epistemological attack on liberal democracy and the global order. The far-right and far-left, despite their opposing ideologies, find common ground in their shared fixation on Jews, blaming them for the world’s ills—from capitalism and globalization to communism and social unrest.
Ancient Archetypes Reborn: Jews as Scapegoats
Antisemitism’s staying power can be traced back to ancient archetypes that have cast Jews as the perpetual “other,” often blamed for societal problems. This archetype manifests in conspiracy theories, such as Jews being held responsible for economic downturns, wars, or political instability. These narratives have been reactivated in both far-right and far-left movements, which exploit antisemitism to channel collective frustrations and anxieties.
Far-Right Obsession with Jews: Conspiracy and Control
For the far-right, antisemitism is often tied to the belief in a global Jewish conspiracy. Jews are portrayed as the masterminds behind capitalism, globalism, and liberalism, acting as shadowy figures manipulating the world’s economic and political systems. This idea dates to the “Protocols of the Elders of Zion”, a document forged by the Czarist secret police from the early 20th century that falsely alleged a Jewish plan for world domination.
Capitalist Exploitation: Jews are often blamed for the perceived greed and inequality associated with global capitalism. This conspiracy theory casts Jewish people as financial parasites who manipulate the economy to enrich themselves at the expense of ordinary citizens.
Cultural Decay: Jews are also accused of promoting liberal values, multiculturalism, and immigration policies that supposedly undermine traditional national identities. In the far-right worldview, Jews are the architects of “cultural Marxism,” a term used to describe the erosion of Western cultural values.
Far-Left Antisemitism: Anti-Imperialism and Anti-Capitalism
On the far-left, antisemitism is tied to anti-imperialism and anti-capitalist sentiments, with Jews often seen as symbolic of capitalism, colonialism, and global inequality. While the far-right accuses Jews of being behind global finance, the far-left focuses on Jews as imperialists and oppressors, often conflating antisemitism with anti-Zionism.
Anti-Capitalist Obsession: In far-left ideology, Jews are often linked with the wealthy capitalist class and seen as beneficiaries of global capitalism, which they blame for inequality, exploitation, and environmental degradation.
Anti-Zionism as a Cover for Antisemitism: The far-left often frames Israel and Zionism as embodiments of Western imperialism and colonialism. While legitimate criticism of Israeli policies exists, far-left rhetoric frequently crosses the line into antisemitism by demonizing Jews collectively or portraying them as a monolithic group responsible for the actions of the Israeli state.
Why the Extremes Converge: The Jews as a Symbolic Enemy
While the far-right and far-left are ideologically opposed in many ways, their obsession with Jews reveals a shared underlying structure. Both movements view Jews as representatives of an elusive, powerful force that undermines their vision of an ideal society. This convergence stems from several factors:
Jews as the Ultimate “Other”: Throughout history, Jews have often been cast as outsiders, regardless of the society they inhabit. In the extremist imagination, Jews are both insiders (part of the elite, holding power) and outsiders (alien to the national or social fabric). This duality makes them the perfect scapegoat for both right and left.
Narratives of Control: Both far-right and far-left movements see themselves as losing control—whether over the nation or the economy. Jews become the embodiment of this perceived loss of control, as they are imagined to be part of a larger conspiracy to manipulate or oppress the “common people.”
Projection of Powerlessness: Both extremes often struggle with a sense of powerlessness in a rapidly changing world. For the far-right, this change takes the form of immigration, multiculturalism, and the erosion of traditional values. For the far-left, it is globalization, environmental destruction, and economic inequality. Jews are positioned as the ultimate power brokers, against whom both extremes can rally in a fight to reclaim their version of control.
Strategic Epistemology and Worldview Warfare: How Antisemitism Erodes Democracy
Antisemitism is more than an irrational prejudice; it is a calculated form of Worldview Warfare designed to undermine the core tenets of liberal democracy. In both the far-right and far-left ideologies, antisemitism serves to:
Delegitimize Democracy: By casting Jews as the ultimate enemies of the people—whether through global finance, political control, or cultural influence—antisemitism delegitimizes the democratic system.
Disrupt Social Cohesion: Antisemitism undermines pluralism by targeting a specific group as responsible for societal problems. This creates divisions within society, pitting groups against each other and preventing the formation of a cohesive democratic culture.
Normalize Conspiracy Thinking: The more antisemitic conspiracies take hold, the more normalized conspiracy thinking becomes. This erodes trust in democratic institutions, which are often portrayed as complicit in these conspiracies.
Worldview Warfare Counter: Challenging Antisemitism as a Tool of Extremism
Addressing modern antisemitism requires a comprehensive strategy that combines Strategic Epistemology and Worldview Warfare. It involves challenging both the far-right and far-left on the fundamental premises of their antisemitic beliefs.
Expose the Archetypal Lies: Both extremes rely on deeply embedded archetypes to justify their antisemitism. These must be exposed as false narratives that have been used throughout history to distract and divide.
Promote Pluralism and Democratic Values: Antisemitism thrives in environments of division and insecurity. Reinforcing the principles of liberal democracy—pluralism, rule of law, and individual rights—creates resilience against the scapegoating tendencies of extremist ideologies.
Confront Extremism Directly: Both the far-right and far-left must be held accountable for their antisemitic rhetoric and actions. This means challenging antisemitism in all its forms, whether it emerges as anti-globalism on the right or anti-capitalism and anti-Zionism on the left.
Conclusion: Antisemitism as a Symptom of Ideological Breakdown
Antisemitism is not merely a relic of the past; it is a potent weapon in the ideological conflicts of the present. Both the far-right and far-left turn to antisemitism to explain the complexities of a globalized world, positioning Jews as the invisible force behind societal problems. This serves as a strategic epistemological attack on liberal democracy, promoting division, conspiracy, and distrust. Countering antisemitism requires a full understanding of the role it plays in modern Worldview Warfare—and a commitment to upholding the pluralism and democratic values that extremists seek to destroy.
© 2024 Richard Martin
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