Far-right politics

Understanding the Far-Right Phenomenon

The far-right is a complex and multifaceted political ideology that encompasses radical conservatism, authoritarianism, ultra-nationalism, and nativism. It opposes liberal democratic norms and emphasizes exclusivist views. This worldview often invokes ideas of societal purity and homogeneity, perceiving society as a unified, natural entity under threat from diversity or modern pluralism. Far-right movements frequently target perceived threats to their idealized community, leading to anti-immigrant sentiments, welfare chauvinism, and political violence.

The Organicist View

Far-right politics are often characterized by an organicist worldview, which perceives society as a complete, organized, and homogeneous living being. This view absolutizes differences between nations, races, individuals, or cultures since they disrupt their efforts towards the utopian dream of the ‘closed’ and naturally organized society.

Regional Variations

The far-right landscape varies widely by region and historical context. In Western Europe, it has often focused on anti-immigration and anti-globalism, while in Eastern Europe, strong anti-communist rhetoric is more common. The United States has seen a unique evolution of far-right movements that emphasize nativism and radical opposition to central government.

Defining the Contemporary Far Right

The term ‘far right’ is typically applied to fascists and neo-Nazis, but it also refers to those to the right of mainstream right-wing politics. The best working definition of the contemporary far right is a four-element combination of nationalism, xenophobia, law and order, and welfare chauvinism. Far-right politics includes aspects of authoritarianism, anti-communism, and nativism, often prioritizing the interests of one’s own group over others.

The Rise of Far-Right Anti-Communism

The rise of far-right anti-communism is seen as a politics of fear, utilizing disaffection and anger generated by capitalism. The far right uses anti-communism to challenge any political current not embedded in a nationalist and racist agenda.

Modern Debates

Modern debates surround the definition of far-right politics, with scholars using terms like ‘right-wing extremism’ and ‘national populism.’ There is debate about labeling parties ‘neo-fascist’ or ‘neo-Nazi,’ and whether to use the terms ‘radical’ or ‘extreme’ to describe them. Italian philosopher Norberto Bobbio argues that attitudes towards equality are a key distinction between left-wing and right-wing politics.

Historical Context

The far-right’s success in Europe is often attributed to former mainstream right-wing parties that have turned into populist radical ones. Historian Mark Sedgwick notes the difficulty in defining the mainstream and extreme ends of the political spectrum. The horseshoe theory suggests a closer connection between the far left and far right, but has received criticism.

Theories on Support

Theories on why individuals support far-right parties include the social breakdown thesis, relative deprivation thesis, modernization losers thesis, and ethnic competition thesis. The rise of far-right parties is also linked to a rejection of post-materialist values and a shift towards more traditional, working-class voters.

Key Thinkers

The key thinkers of contemporary far-right politics share four key elements: apocalyptism, fear of global elites, belief in Carl Schmitt’s friend–enemy distinction, and the idea of metapolitics. The apocalyptic strain of thought begins in Oswald Spengler’s ‘The Decline of the West’ and is shared by Julius Evola and Alain de Benoist.

International Networks

During the rise of Nazi Germany, far-right international organizations began to emerge in the 1930s. The Comitati d’Azione per l’Universalità di Roma (CAUR) was created by Benito Mussolini’s Fascist Regime to create a network for a ‘Fascist International,’ representing far-right groups from various countries.

Modern Movements

Following World War II, other far-right organizations attempted to establish themselves. In 2017, Steve Bannon created The Movement, an organization to create an international far-right group based on Aleksandr Dugin’s ‘The Fourth Political Theory,’ for the 2019 European Parliament election.

Global Spread

The far-right has spread globally, with notable examples in countries like Brazil, Guatemala, Chile, and the United States. In Europe, parties like the National Rally (formerly known as the National Front) in France have sparked outrage for hate speech and Holocaust denial.

Conclusion

The far-right is a complex phenomenon that continues to evolve and spread across the globe. Understanding its roots, ideologies, and modern manifestations is crucial for addressing the challenges it poses to democratic societies. By examining these elements, we can better prepare ourselves to counteract its influence and promote inclusive, tolerant communities.