identitäre

Identitäre, or the Identitarian movement, is a transnational far-right political and cultural movement active primarily in Europe. It promotes identitarianism, a doctrine that emphasizes the preservation of European cultural and ethnic identity and often frames immigration and demographic change as threats. Proponents argue for ethnocultural self-determination and describe their project as defending Europe’s heritage against perceived homogenization.

The movement emerged in the 2000s and grew into a loose network of national groups rather than a single centralized organization. It has established presence in several European countries, sharing a common set of ideas and symbolic imagery while coordinating campaigns across borders through online platforms and joint actions.

Common activities include street demonstrations, campus activism, and online propaganda. Campaigns are often designed for broad media impact, using provocative banners, memes, and public stunts. One high-profile project associated with the movement, Defend Europe, sought to disrupt migrant rescue operations in the Mediterranean and attracted international attention. Identitarian groups also engage in recruitment at universities and in online communities, emphasizing native culture and traditional values.

Legal and social responses to identitarian groups vary by country. In several states, authorities classify them as far-right or extremist organizations, and some national branches have been restricted or banned. Critics describe the movement as xenophobic, ethnonationalist, and a component of the broader New Right in Europe. Supporters frame the movement as a cultural defense against perceived erasure of European identity.

Scholars and journalists typically analyze identitarianism as a contemporary variant of ethnocultural nationalism, noting its influence on right-wing discourse and its role in shaping debates over immigration, culture, and national belonging.