In Italy’s capital city of Rome, hundreds of men dressed in black stood in military formations, chanting slogans and brandishing the fascist salute. No, this harrowing scene wasn’t from the 1940’s; it took place at the beginning of this year.
The rally, organized to commemorate the 1978 murder of two teenage activists from the neo-fascist Italian Social Movement (MSI), has sent shockwaves through social media platforms and the Italian government. But, despite the attention it has garnered, little has been done to punish those involved, or even prevent them from organizing events like it in the future. Instead, MSI, and many groups like it throughout the European continent, has been allowed to proliferate, gaining thousands of followers in recent years.
Countries like France, Holland, and even Germany – a country with deep historic ties to radicalized regimes – have all seen spikes in ultra-nationalist activities and organizations. This resurgence underscores a concerning trend that extends far beyond their national borders and alludes to deep-rooted social and political issues. As far-right groups continue to gain traction and support across the continent, the implications are becoming visible, with steady increases in far-right parties being elected to high government positions, and only threaten to get worse.
While far-right ideologies have existed in Europe for centuries and have resurfaced periodically during times of hardship, like in the Interwar Period from 1918 to 1939, when economic instability and social unrest paved the way for leaders like Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler to rise to power, its prevalence in the 21st century has been preceded by unique circumstances. Recent world-wide trends that stemmed from post-Cold War European foreign policy promoted globalization, immigration, and cooperation, putting significant strain on European nations. And in 2008, hardship struck Europe again when it experienced a financial crisis that resulted in high levels of public debt and a series of bank failures. This, coupled with liberal immigration policies and general disapproval with existing political norms gave way to a new era of European ultra-nationalist sentiments.
“This resurgence [of the far-right in Europe] has many causes, and they interact,” explained Sheri Berman, a professor of Political Science at Barnard College. “The three most commonly discussed [causes] are economic grievances (the fallout from a globalized, neoliberal economy, e.g. rising inequality and insecurity), social grievances (discomfort with or resentment of immigration, the mobilization of minorities, the decline of “traditional” values), and the failures and missteps of mainstream center-right and center-left parties [to say in] touch with the needs and demands of voters.”
The result: an increased dominance of far-right parties throughout Europe’s governments, with them controlling portions of the EU and national parliaments at percentages unseen in decades. For some countries, like Holland, the political trends towards conservatism have never even been seen before. The country, which was historically characterized by its relatively tame, religious and social-democratic policies, recently elected 37 members of the Dutch Party for Freedom (PVV), a far-right, anti-immigrant, and Islamophobic party, to parliament – a drastic jump from 17 only two years ago. Even more significantly, its party’s leader, Geert Wilders – a Dutch politician known for his anti-Islam remarks and extremist policies has become a strong contender for the country’s next Prime Minister. If elected, he would be the first far-right Prime Minister in Holland’s history, but join an extensive list of European far-right party members being elected into executive positions.
As with any political movement, the far-right resurgence is a reaction to a general disapproval of the current state of society. “Many citizens are dissatisfied with the status-quo: economically, socially and politically,” said Ms. Berman, and because of it, have sought solutions in extreme ends of the political spectrum. Far-right parties capitalize on this discontent by offering simple, often nativist solutions to complex issues, promising to restore a perceived sense of order, security, and national identity. Throughout Europe, radical right politicians have increasingly pushed for more anti-immigration and deglobalization policies, taking advantage of the political momentum surrounding these polarizing topics.
The ascent of the far-right cannot be solely attributed to external factors like economic struggles or immigration. It is also intricately linked to profound societal divisions and cultural anxieties, many of which have deep historical roots. Ultra-nationalist sentiments play a pivotal role in fueling the rise of right extremism, as they emphasize the preservation of cultural identity and national sovereignty. These sentiments often stem from fears of globalization eroding traditional values and diluting national identity. By tapping into these anxieties, far-right movements exploit societal divisions, exacerbating tensions and fostering a sense of ‘us versus them’ mentality.
“[Europe’s current political climate is characterized by] a growing anti-immigrant mood, a rise in conspiracy theories and distrust in state institutions, growing suspicions about international organizations, and verbal, and sometimes even, physical attacks on politicians not seen before to that degree,” said Dr. Gregor Thum, an associate professor in the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of History. “There [also] seems to be greater pessimism regarding Europe’s (or the world’s) future, and a retreat to the nation-state, and rising levels of nationalism at least in some sections of society.”
Moreover, the resurgence of far-right ideologies highlights the need to address underlying grievances and promote inclusive policies that resonate with all citizens. Efforts to combat right extremism must go beyond addressing surface-level issues and delve into the root causes of societal discontent. This entails fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion for all members of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or cultural background. By promoting dialogue, understanding, and cooperation, societies can mitigate the allure of far-right ideologies and build a more cohesive and resilient future for all.
With concerningly high migration rates, war, political turmoil, and a general disapproval of the existing democratic systems all over Europe, it’s no surprise that the political parties guaranteeing a return of national identity and economic security have gained so much support. But for Dr. Thum, there is still hope and solutions to these problems lie in the hands of the European governments.
“A lot…depends on the performance of democratic parties and governments, who need to take popular concerns seriously,” he said. “Project a goal-oriented and competent political leadership able develop solutions to real issues, such as the lack [of] affordable housing in larger cities, affordable energy costs during the transition to green energy, an effective public school system that serves all populations groups well, and efficient public services.”
For many far-right supporters, their national government’s apparent disengagement from domestic issues is what led them to support extremist parties in the first place. These people are often angered by the poor conditions at home regarding public policies and economic opportunities, and are further enraged when they see their country devoting resources to international issues. That’s why many far-right movements and political parties center around anti-European Union and anti-NATO ideas.
“[Far-right] parties and politicians have certainly raised the salience of a number of issues, and force mainstream parties to at least pay lip service to the anger and discontent of many citizens,” added Ms. Berman. “Whether these parties continue to thrive depends largely on the ability of mainstream parties and politicians to convince citizens that they have solutions to their and their society’s most pressing problems.”
While the future of the “far-right wave” in Europe is uncertain and dependent on countless factors, it is likely that it will remain in the spotlight, highlighting the urgent need for European governments to address the general frustration and promote inclusive policies that resonate with all citizens. Efforts to combat right-wing extremism must go beyond addressing surface-level issues and delve into the root causes of societal discontent. This involves fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion for all members of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or cultural background. By promoting dialogue, understanding, and cooperation, Europe’s ever-changing societies can mitigate the allure of far-right ideologies and build a more cohesive and resilient future for all people who call Europe home.
“[Far-right] parties and politicians have certainly raised the salience of a number of issues, and force mainstream parties to at least pay lip service to the anger and discontent of many citizens,” said Sheri Berman, a professor of Political Science at Barnard College. “Whether these parties continue to thrive depends largely on the ability of mainstream parties and politicians to convince citizens that they have solutions to their and their society’s most pressing problems.”