On the trail of ethnic circles: The rise of Merlin Ulbrich

On the trail of ethnic circles: The rise of Merlin Ulbrich

The activist work of Merlin Ulbrich from Engerda, Thuringia, is currently causing a stir in Cologne and beyond. With a history that is deeply anchored in the ethnic movement, Ulbrich has established himself as an integral part of the Identitarian Movement. How Indymedia reports, the young man has been regularly active in the Chemnitz Identitarian Movement since October 2023 and commutes between Erfurt and Chemnitz. The direct connection to other actors in the scene, such as Tony Kraft and Luis Rupprecht, makes him an important mouthpiece within this community, which recruits many members from ethnic families.

This ethnic movement can be traced back to the late 19th century and is characterized by a mixture of racism, nationalism and the principle of “blood and soil”, which propagates the idea of ​​organically grown communities. Loud Wikipedia The movement was heavily influenced by German Romanticism and the historical legacy of the Holy Roman Empire. Their underlying goal was to bring about a national rebirth that would build on the traditions of the old Germans.

Activities and engagement

Ulbrich is not only active at regional events, but also takes part in demonstrations and rallies of the Identitarian Movement, which are a kind of compulsory program for him. For example, he was demonstrably involved in various events on April 29, 2023 and July 20, 2024.

In addition, he regularly attends IB regulars' meetings in Chemnitz and actively participates in hikes with the local group there. Particularly noteworthy is his participation in the Identitarian “Sports Day” in Stuttgart, which took place on April 28, 2024. Ulbrich is known in the scene for his photography skills, which he presents via his Instagram profile @analog_merlin. He also uses the account @erfurter_bube for political propaganda on behalf of the IB-affiliated group “Kontrakultur Erfurt”.

Background and ideology

The ethnic ideology that Ulbrich and his colleagues represent is strongly characterized by exclusivity. This movement is anchored in the idea of ​​an “original nation” and has been instrumental in shaping the whole of Germany in the past. In the Third Reich, participants in this ideology, such as Jews and other minorities, were rigorously excluded. This ethno-nationalist thinking has not lost its importance to this day, as evidenced by the 32 neo-nationalist organizations in the USA that are now classified as hate groups. The largest of these, the Asatru Folk Assembly, represents a similar school of thought to Ulbrich's activities.

Ulbrich's involvement in this ideology and his active role in the Identitarian Movement cast a shadow on social developments in Germany and Europe. It becomes clear that there are still currents today that want to redefine national and cultural identities, often excluded from an open society. Anyone who deals with these topics will find current examples in Ulbrich and his movement that stimulate thought.