>>4254267 lb
"I just don't see Nazis as something that survived WWII as a functioning, powerful group. They were a group that lost a war. There really weren't Nazis apart from Germany…"
what makes you certain?
I dont believe any Nazi co-opted by we or soviets were given ultimatum to denounce or no deal.
pic attached was here in US on vacay away from Huntsville.
Werner Van Breun never was required nor did he renounce affiliation or alignment with ideal and vision of Nazi Reich.
They lost the control they had over a legitimate state authority and monopoly of force wothin bprders, but those that survived either came here (or Russia) where belief was as you say what harm could they possibly be without panzers and Lufthansa?! the survival of an idea is all it takes.
the rest that got away made it to S America where loyal German expats had established industrial base and resources to rally them together, hide them in comfort and refuge, andaid and supply them for any future endeavors.
tldr: Nazis went corporate and private sector coordinating under disguise and in the marketplace.
In conflict a victory over an advisary must be total and known / acknowledged by all parties and outside observers. (lest foreign sympathy leads to support and desire to keep fire alive abroad)
The alies fucked up regarding victory over Nazis because not one party saw importance of total defeat disarmament and completely capitulation