Facing Down the Far Right in Europe: A challenge for progressive politics

This paper marks the beginning of a research project in which FEPS analyses the resurgence […]

Policy Study

09/10/2014

This paper marks the beginning of a research project in which FEPS analyses the resurgence of right wing populism and extremism in Europe. It seeks to establish an analytical framework for practical use by those who are opposed to the broadly defined “far right”.

It looks at themes ranging from globalisation and nationalism to economics, party institutionalisation and the media in seeking to assess the impact of environmental factors and human agency on the growth or decline of the far right. ‘Facing Down the Far Right in Europe’ flags the need for more detailed qualitative analysis on a case study basis and forms a beginning of that process within FEPS.”

The recent resurgence of parties considered to be on the far right of the political spectrum has led to a growth in interest among academics, policymakers, the media and the wider public. While there is much received wisdom on the causes and effects, analytical literature often remains inconclusive.
Ultimately, there are numerous reasons why far right parties are more difficult to categorise than other political families. This paper therefore proposes a subjective narrative and aims to provide a framework for socialist and social democratic parties. To this end, the paper offers a “ladder of abstraction” in which parties beyond a certain threshold on the nationalist spectrum are conceived as “far right”.
Contrary to commentary which indicates that far right parties have adopted a left wing economic narrative, it is argued here that far right parties use economics as a tool to attain support among their perceived “in-group” while excluding perceived outsiders. Therefore, in this context, the left-right spectrum reflects one’s perspective on (in)equality, seen differently by left and right.
Finally this paper argues that social democracy needs to rediscover an adequate narrative on both globalisation and nationalism to offset the populist flag-waving and fear mongering of the far right. It also presents a difference of approach depending on the level of organisation and institutionalisation of the far right party in question. Thus, newer and less organised parties invite the cordon sanitaire approach while more case-based qualitative research is required to discern the best way of facing down more “established” far right parties.

Read the paper by FEPS Polical Advisor David Kitching

Find all related publications
Publications
29/11/2023

Social Europe: From vision to vigour

FEPS Primers series - Björn Hacker
22/11/2023

The macro-economic impact of the cost crisis

Lessons for Europe
16/11/2023

The political economy of migration policies

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the question of migration across the EU has been somehow downplayed. […]
13/11/2023

EU Treaties – Why they need targeted changes

An approach based on European public goods, citizenship and democracy
Find all related news
News
29/11/2023

Boosting Economic Democracy

The current economic system has concentrated power in the hands of the few and created […]
22/11/2023

Ann Linde is FEPS’ new Foreign Affairs Special Advisor

Ann Linde, former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, becomes Special Advisor on Foreign Affairs […]
09/10/2023

Tax the rich

A European Citizens' Initiative
04/10/2023

The EU at the time of the New Cold War

A manifesto signed by FEPS President and FEPS Secretary General
Find all related in the media
In the media

Um conclave pelo futuro da Europa

by Diario de Noticias 27/11/2023
Maria João Rodrigues participated in the 'Conclave' on the future of Europe. A transdisciplinary forum that discussed the essential questions to be asked and the answers to be given to European leaders.

Une réforme de l’UE qui intéressera forcément les Suisses

by Le Temps 24/11/2023
'EU reform bound to be of interest to the Swiss', an opinion piece in Le Temps on EU Treaties changes by Maria João Rodrigues, FEPS President, Guillaume Klossa, Director of think tank EuropaNova and Daniela Schwarzer, Executive board member Bertelsmann Stiftung

« Le moment est venu de lancer un débat sur la réforme de l’Union européenne »

by Le Monde 22/11/2023
'The time has come to launch a debate on the reform of the European Union', an opinion piece in Le Monde on Eu Treaties changes by Maria João Rodrigues, FEPS President, Guillaume Klossa, Director of think tank EuropaNova and Daniela Schwarzer, Executive board member Bertelsmann Stiftung

Razones para reformar la Unión Europea

by Infolibre 13/11/2023
'Reasons to reform the European Union' Infolibre article about FEPS policy study 'EU Treaties – Why they need targeted changes'