An International Youth Movement, 1983–1990

Abstract

Shaffer explains how international connections took on new importance as the fascist movement’s support was diluted between the National Front (NF) and newly founded British National Party (BNP). Foreign influences and individuals helped inspire new concepts, such as the Political Soldier ideal, as the skinhead subculture began overtaking fascist election campaigns and street marches. However, disagreements within the NF’s White Noise Club (WNC) led to the creation of Blood and Honour, a more overtly Nazified network that promoted skinhead music, concerts and published an international magazine. As the NF stumbled in maintaining support, the BNP emerged as the most significant fascist party. Shaffer concludes that at a time when fascist political party support in Britain was at an electoral low, the skinhead movement was rapidly expanding domestically and internationally.