Ludwig: a revolt against the modern world. The language and ideology of an Italian Neo-Nazi group in the Years of Lead

ABSTRACT

The Ludwig group is usually described by the media as a group of serial killers operating in Italy during the so-called Years of Lead. The present article examines the structure and the nature of the group’s language through a multidimensional approach to rediscuss its current classification and description. The source material of the analysis is represented by the handwritten leaflets released by the group to claim its actions. The collected material, comprised of seven leaflets released by the Ludwig group in 1980–1984, has been examined through the analysis of language register, syntactic and rhetorical structure, adopted lexicon and co-occurrences. According to the analysis of the group’s language and messages it passed on, this paper suggests that the political nature of the Ludwig group receives its inspiration from Nazi ideology. The ideology that inspired the group’s violent actions must be brought back to Nazi Ideology, especially to the ideas of what is generally known as Esoteric Nazism.

KEYWORDS:

• Neo-Nazism
• Years of Lead
• Neofascism
• Esoteric Nazism
• Far right

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nicola Guerra

Nicola Guerra, Adjunct Professor at the University of Turku, Finland, holds a Master of Science in Economics from the University of Pisa, a PhD in Italian Language and Culture and the title of Docent in Italian History and Society from the University of Turku. Guerra’s research interests include Political violence and radicalism; Far right – Far Left; Political Terrorism in Post-War Europe; History of extremist ideologies, Language & Ideology nexus, Hate-speech, Hooliganism, Social Movements, Urban Subcultures.