Old Nazis, the New Right, and the Republican Party: Domestic fascist networks and their effect on U.S. cold war politics (Paperback)

~ (Author) "The emigre fascist network within the Republican Party represents a small but significant element of the coalition which brought Ronald Reagan into the White House..." (more)
Key Phrases: fascist network, fascist groups, Republican Heritage Groups Council, White House, Iron Guard (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Bellant convincingly documents three arguments in this short, journalistic book. First, many people who had been active in Nazi or pro-Nazi groups in Eastern Europe in the 1930s and 1940s subsequently came to this country, often under the auspices of the Displaced Persons Commission. Second, many of these emigres then became active in political and ethnic groups affiliated with the Republican Party, providing financial and electoral support and crusading relentlessly against Communism. Third, and most important, some of the most unsavory elements of the anti-Communist right gained a foothold in official foreign policy circles under Reagan. Bellant's case is strong and disturbing, but his book is terribly organized, and the meaningful arguments are mixed in with overstated claims (especially the suggestions of a fascist conspiracy) and charges based only on political disagreement, not malfeasance. An optional purchase.
-Timothy Christenfeld, Columbia Univ.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 148 pages
• Publisher: South End Press; 3 edition (July 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0896084183
• ISBN-13: 978-0896084186
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #955,981 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Details Nazi & fascist penetration of American politics, June 15, 1999

By	[e-mail] (Edinburg, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Old Nazis, the New Right, and the Republican Party: Domestic fascist networks and their effect on U.S. cold war politics (Hardcover)

At the end of World War II, the U.S. government secretly brought many Nazis into the U.S. As detailed in "Quiet Neighbors" and other books examining the U.S. government's program for infiltrating Nazis into the U.S., these Nazis quietly integrated themselves into the American socio-political system. Bellant examines the penetration by Nazis and fascists of the American political system, focusing specifically on how Nazis and fascists have gained influence and leadership positions in the Republican Party. While the book needs to be revised and updated, it is excellent in presenting the underlying foundation of the Reagan and Bush presidencies. Valuable reading for anyone seeking to understand the agenda of the Republican right.

17 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent research and clarifies the far right's delusions, November 4, 2004

By	B. Ward (Mt.Auburn, Illinois United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is very understandable. It draws a direct connect between the fascist ideology and today's radical right. I recommend this book so people can understand just how dangerous the far right is in the U.S.A.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Great subject; awful book, February 27, 2009

By	lector avidus (USA) - See all my reviews

In this book, Russ Bellant looks into the links between old Nazis and other extremists and the fringes of the Republican party during the Cold War.

The idea behind the book is great; extremism, violence, and or anti-democratic agitation are not beneficial in democracies. Unfortunately this book is too short to offer more than a very cursory overview of what for the largest part were emigre movements whose influence was limited to certain of America's ethnic groups. Even worse, the author seems to lump groups that range from the hapless to the kooky to the clearly dangerous on the same heap. Nor does he differentiate between alliances of convenience - without which elections are rarely won - and close partnerships rooted in common beliefs; as a consequence this work may be best understood as a polemic that may serve as a resource for more nuanced research, but not as a judicious expose that can be be taken at face value.

His readers - and this topic - deserved better.