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Russian National Unity
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Russian National Unity

Russian paramilitary organization
Also known as: RNE, Russkoe Natsionalnoe Edinstvo
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Quick Summary

The Russian National Unity (RNE) was a paramilitary organization founded in 1990 by Aleksandr Barkashov. It claimed an extensive network of local branches, though its electoral support was less than that of other groups like the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR).1

The RNE's ideology was rooted in racist nationalism, emphasizing the importance of "Russian blood" and advocating for the rebirth of "Russian-Aryan traditions". Barkashov, a former Russian army commando, presented his blackshirts as a reserve force for the army and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.1

The RNE's platform included the belief that conventional democracy was inefficient and called for an "ethnic democracy" where voting rights would be restricted to those loyal to the nation. They also focused on protecting ethnic Russians outside Russia and supported harsh measures against Chechens living in Russia. Despite denying being fascist, Barkashov expressed admiration for Adolf Hitler.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
3 Britannica Sources
  1. fascism - Russia
  2. Russia - Political process
  3. Russia - Ethnic relations and Russia’s “near-abroad”

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