Far-right politics

Far-right politics are ideas about government that are more to the right on the political spectrum than most other politics. They include strong beliefs in traditional values, powerful leaders, and putting the nation first. Far-right groups often want to protect their country's culture and people from outside influences.

Key ideas in far-right politics include believing in one unified national or ethnic group. This can lead to opposition to immigration and a wish to keep traditional ways of living. Far-right movements have appeared in many parts of the world, each shaped by local history and concerns.

Historically, far-right politics have sometimes been linked to harmful actions against groups seen as different. These movements have taken part in political debates and sometimes gained support through elections, which raises questions about their role in modern democratic societies.

Overview

The far right is a group of political ideas and movements that are much more right-wing than most other right-side politics. Far-right groups often believe in very strong national pride and strict rules. They usually think their country should only include people from one group, like one race or culture.

Far-right politics include ideas like strong nationalism and not liking immigrants. Some far-right groups believe that some people are better than others and should have more power. These groups often oppose ideas like equality and democracy.

Modern debates

The term "far-right" describes political groups that are far to the right of mainstream right-wing politics. Scholars often debate how to define these groups because the groups themselves might not use this label. Some groups prefer to call themselves a "national movement."

One big debate is whether to call these groups "radical" or "extreme." Extreme right groups may reject democratic rules and sometimes support violence. Radical right groups still accept elections but may oppose important democratic ideas like minority rights. Scholars also study why people support far-right parties, looking at changes in society or concerns about immigration.

Intellectual history

The French Revolution in 1789 brought new ideas about equality and freedom. This also created the modern left–right political spectrum, with supporters of universal suffrage on the left and monarchists on the right.

After the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, the term "far right" was used for those who strongly opposed the far left. Some far-right thinkers were influenced by anti-Marxist and anti-egalitarian ideas. As more people gained the right to vote, a new right-wing emerged with focuses on national and social ideas, leading to movements like fascism.

The Völkisch movement in the late 1800s was inspired by German culture. Modern far-right thinkers often worry about global elites and focus on national identity.

International organizations

In the 1930s, far-right groups began forming networks across countries. Important meetings included the International Conference of Fascist Parties in 1932 and the Fascist International Congress in 1934. Leaders from many nations shared their goals at these meetings.

After World War II, new far-right groups worked to connect internationally. With the creation of the European Union in 1993, many of these groups opposed the EU and promoted nationalist ideas. In the 2010s, far-right organizations grew stronger by supporting each other in elections. Groups like the European Alliance for Freedom and later Identity and Democracy became important in European politics.

History by country

Morocco has seen the rise of ultranationalism, antifeminism, and opposition to immigration online.

Rwanda had serious violence carried out by far-right groups and paramilitary forces under the Hutu Power ideology. The Interahamwe, a youth wing of the National Republican Movement for Democracy and Development, was involved, along with other groups.

In South Africa, the Herstigte Nasionale Party stood for a nation divided by race. The Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging, started by Eugène Terre'Blanche, pushed for an independent Boer-Afrikaner nation.

Brazil had Brazilian Integralism in the 1920s and 1930s, a movement that was like European fascism. After World War II, some Nazi criminals ran to Brazil and hid there.

Guatemala's far-right government, led by Carlos Castillo Armas, used tough methods after the 1954 coup. Groups like Mano Blanca were part of this time.

Chile's National Socialist Movement of Chile was active in the 1930s and later backed the 1973 coup that brought Augusto Pinochet to power. Pinochet ruled in a strict way and hurt many people.

During the Salvadoran Civil War, far-right death squads did violent things.

Honduras had far-right death squads in the 1980s, such as Battalion 3–16, which got help and training from the United States.

The biggest far-right party in Mexico is the National Synarchist Union, which did not like left-wing and secularist ideas.

In Peru, Fujimorism started during a difficult time, with plans for strong control by leaders. Alberto Fujimori created this way of thinking, which still affects Peru today.

In the United States, far-right groups include the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazi groups, and white nationalist movements. These groups often have secret plans and do not like pluralist democracy. During the Cold War, they fought against communism. The alt-right started during the 2016 election, helped by online places.

India's Bharatiya Janata Party mixes economic ideas with religious nationalism.

In Indonesia, some people who follow Islam have far-right views.

Iran's leaders, especially some newer ones, have far-right and very strict views.

Israel has far-right politics through groups like Otzma Yehudit, which hold anti-Arab and Kahanist beliefs.

Japan has many right-wing groups called Uyoku dantai, which are against anti-leftism and dislike China, North Korea, and South Korea.

In Malaysia, some groups that are not part of the government use words about human rights.

South Korea has had strong leaders, and President Yoon Suk Yeol has faced criticism for far-right views.

Taiwan has far-right groups that want to join China and others that want to be independent.

Armenia has far-right movements like the Adequate Party.

In Croatia, far-right groups are linked to an old movement and promote ideas like neo-Nazi and neo-fascist beliefs.

Estonia's far-right includes the Vaps movement and the Conservative People's Party of Estonia, which have ties to neo-Nazi groups.

Finland has far-right groups like the Academic Karelia Society and the Lapua Movement, with current neo-Nazi groups such as the Nordic Resistance Movement.

France's biggest far-right party is the National Rally, started by Jean-Marie Le Pen and now led by his daughter Marine Le Pen.

Germany banned Nazi and neo-Nazi groups after World War II. Today, far-right parties include the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and Pegida.

Greece's far-right follows old ideas and includes the neo-Nazi Golden Dawn party, which lost power after leaders faced the law.

Italy's far-right has been around since after a strict leader, with parties like the Italian Social Movement and newer groups influenced by old harsh ideas.

The Netherlands has far-right groups and parties since World War II, including the Party for Freedom led by Geert Wilders.

Poland has far-right groups that grew after a big change, like the National Revival of Poland and the All-Polish Youth.

Romania's Greater Romania Party is a big far-right party that supports Romanian people first.

Russia's far-right includes neo-Nazi and harsh groups, with roots in old movements, and organizations like Russian National Unity.

Serbia has far-right groups and parties, including the Serbian Radical Party and the Serbian Party Oathkeepers.

Slovenia, Spain, and Switzerland also have their own far-right movements and parties.

The United Kingdom's far-right includes the British Union of Fascists, the National Front, and the British National Party, with newer groups like Britain First and Patriotic Alternative.

Australia's far-right includes groups like the New Guard, Australia First Movement, and newer neo-Nazi and alt-right groups.

New Zealand has had far-right groups since World War II, including the New Zealand National Front, but they have little support.

Fiji's Nationalist Vanua Tako Lavo Party stood for Fijian ethnic nationalism before it was de-registered in 2013.

Online

Main article: Far-right usage of the internet

The far-right has used the internet to share ideas and connect with others who share similar views. Some websites and groups have become well-known for hosting these discussions.

Far-right groups grew in popularity online starting in 2012, especially in the United States around the time of the 2016 presidential election. These online spaces help people share strong opinions and work together on what they believe.

Right-wing terrorism

Main article: Right-wing terrorism

Right-wing terrorism is driven by strong beliefs such as opposition to communism, racism, and hostility toward immigrants. It began in western Europe in the 1980s and later spread to Eastern Europe after the breakup of the Soviet Union. These terrorists want to change governments to ones that focus on protecting their own people. Their actions have caused harm in places like Christchurch, Pittsburgh, and Norway.