Disaster Nationalism and the Right's Reinterpretation of Catastrophes

The phenomenon of disaster nationalism illustrates how the political right often reinterprets real tragedies into simplified narratives featuring clear enemies. In recent years, actual disasters like the COVID-19 pandemic have been transformed into conspiracy theories, framing public health measures as totalitarian plots. Rather than confronting the complexities of issues such as climate change or terrorism, certain factions blame groups like Antifa or Muslims for these societal challenges. This oversimplification provides a psychological escape for followers, allowing them to view their struggles as part of a larger battle against a conspicuous and thus easier-to-identify enemy.