New Guard

The New Guard was a far-right paramilitary organisation in Australia, active during the early 1930s. Founded by Eric Campbell, it was a reactionary group opposed to communism and the policies of the Australian Labor Party, particularly those of Premier Jack Lang. The New Guard sought to promote a nationalist agenda and defend the British Empire’s influence in Australia, often resorting to aggressive and militant actions. Although primarily political, the New Guard exhibited some characteristics that can be assessed through a cult analysis lens due to its extreme nationalism, authoritarian structure, and social control tactics.

1. Authoritative Leadership

Score: 3

Eric Campbell held significant control over the New Guard. His leadership was authoritative, and the organisation operated under a strict hierarchical structure. Members were expected to follow orders without question, and Campbell's vision was central to the group's activities and ideology.

2. Control Over Information

Score: 3

The New Guard maintained tight control over the dissemination of information. Propaganda was used extensively to promote its nationalist and anti-communist agenda, and members were discouraged from accessing opposing viewpoints or information that could undermine the group’s ideology.

3. Deception

Score: 2

While the New Guard was relatively open about its aims and activities, there was still an element of deception in how it presented its actions and the threat it posed to society. The group downplayed its paramilitary activities and portrayed itself as a defender of traditional values and public order.

4. Exclusive Knowledge

Score: 2

The New Guard promoted a specific nationalist ideology that it claimed was essential for Australia's survival and prosperity. While not as esoteric as some cults, this belief system was presented as the only correct path for Australia, dismissing other political and social ideologies as dangerous or inferior.

5. Exploitation

Score: 2

Exploitation within the New Guard was primarily psychological and social. Members were often exploited for their labour and commitment to the group's activities, but there is less evidence of the severe financial or physical exploitation typical in more harmful cults.

6. Fear, Guilt, & Intimidation

Score: 3

The New Guard used fear and intimidation as key tactics, both within its ranks and towards its perceived enemies. It instilled fear of communism and social change, using aggressive actions and rhetoric to intimidate opponents and keep members loyal.

7. Isolation

Score: 2

While the New Guard did not enforce complete isolation, it created a strong in-group mentality that discouraged close associations with outsiders, particularly those holding different political views. This fostered a sense of exclusivity and separation from broader society.

8. Micro-Management of Daily Tasks

Score: 1

There was some degree of micro-management within the New Guard, especially in organising and coordinating militant activities. However, members maintained a level of autonomy in their personal lives, which was not as strictly controlled as in more insular cults.

9. Monitoring Thoughts & Behaviours

Score: 2

The New Guard monitored its members' commitment and loyalty, using peer pressure and organisational oversight to ensure conformity to its ideological stance. However, it did not employ extensive surveillance tactics beyond this.

10. Punishment & Discipline

Score: 2

Disciplinary actions within the New Guard were primarily social and psychological, including expulsion and public reprimand for those who did not conform. The group did not typically use the extreme punitive measures seen in more destructive cults.

11. Thought Reform

Score: 2

Thought reform in the New Guard involved intense ideological indoctrination through propaganda and group activities, aimed at aligning members' beliefs with the group's nationalist and anti-communist agenda. However, it lacked the coercive psychological methods of more extreme cults.

12. Us vs. Them Mentality

Score: 3

The New Guard strongly promoted an "us vs. them" mentality, viewing themselves as the protectors of Australian values against perceived threats from communists, socialists, and other political adversaries. This divisive stance was central to their identity and actions.

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Total Score: 27/36

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Overall Cult Ranking: 8. Likely Destructive Cult

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Based on Renee’s Cult Ranking System, the New Guard scores 27 out of 36, resulting in an average score of 7.5 that rounds up to 8. This places it in the significantly harmful group range and most likely means that destructive practices are present. While not a cult in the traditional sense, the New Guard exhibited many characteristics of a highly controlling and potentially harmful organisation, particularly through its authoritarian leadership, use of fear, and divisive ideology.

The New Guard, with its militant approach and authoritarian structure, represented a significant threat to societal stability and promoted an exclusionary, divisive ideology. Its practices and beliefs created an environment that was controlling and harmful, especially in terms of psychological and social dynamics.

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Further Reading

• The New Guard

• Former New Guard insider reveals neo-Nazi group's recruitment tactics

• New Guard Movement, 1931–35