Far-right politics

Far-right politics are politics further to the right on the political spectrum than the standard political right. They include a range of ideologies marked by strong traditional values, a belief in strong leadership, and a focus on the nation above all else. Far-right groups often stress the importance of protecting their country's culture and people from outside influences.

Key ideas in far-right politics include the belief in a pure, unified national or ethnic community. This view can lead to opposition to immigration and efforts to preserve traditional social structures. Far-right movements have appeared in many parts of the world, each shaped by local history and concerns.

Historically, far-right politics have been linked to serious harmful actions against groups seen as threats to the dominant culture. These movements have influenced political debates and sometimes gained support through elections, raising important 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, strict rules, and strong leaders. They usually think their country should only include people from one group, like one race or culture, and they often do not like people from other groups.

Far-right politics include ideas like strong nationalism, not liking immigrants, and wanting strict laws. Some far-right groups even believe that some people are better than others and should have more power. These groups often oppose ideas like equality and democracy, preferring strong control by a few leaders.

Modern debates

The term "far-right" is used to describe political groups that are far to the right of mainstream right-wing politics. Scholars sometimes debate how to define these groups, as they often do not use the label themselves. Some prefer terms like "national movement" instead.

One key debate is whether these groups should be called "radical" or "extreme." Extreme right groups may reject democratic rules and sometimes support violence, while radical right groups still accept elections but oppose key democratic ideas like minority rights. Scholars also discuss why people support far-right parties, looking at factors like changes in society or concerns about immigration.

Intellectual history

The French Revolution in 1789 changed political ideas by introducing thoughts about equality and freedom. This also created the modern left–right political spectrum, with people who supported universal suffrage on the left and monarchists on the right.

After the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, the term "far right" described those who strongly opposed the far left. Some thinkers on the far right were influenced by anti-Marxist and anti-egalitarian ideas, creating a form of socialism based on military unity rather than class. As nations grew and more people gained the right to vote, a new right-wing emerged focusing on national and social ideas, leading to movements like fascism.

The Völkisch movement in the late 1800s drew from German culture and romantic ideas, believing in a pure nation threatened by outside influences. Modern far-right thinkers often focus on fears of global elites, beliefs about national identity, and ideas of change and renewal.

International organizations

During the rise of Nazi Germany, far-right groups started forming international networks in the 1930s. Important meetings happened in the 1930s, such as the International Conference of Fascist Parties in 1932 and the Fascist International Congress in 1934, where leaders from many countries discussed their shared goals.

After World War II, new far-right groups tried to connect across borders. With the creation of the European Union in 1993, many of these groups began opposing the EU and promoting nationalist ideas. In the 2010s, far-right organizations grew stronger by working together and supporting each other in elections. Notably, groups like the European Alliance for Freedom and later Identity and Democracy became important players in European politics.

History by country

Morocco has seen the rise of ultranationalism, antifeminism, and opposition to immigration in digital spaces.

Rwanda experienced severe violence carried out by far-right extremist and paramilitary groups under the Hutu Power ideology. The Interahamwe, a youth wing of the National Republican Movement for Democracy and Development, was a key perpetrator of these events, alongside other groups like the Coalition for the Defence of the Republic.

In South Africa, the Herstigte Nasionale Party emerged as an ethno-nationalist group advocating for a racially segregated nation. The Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging, founded by Eugène Terre'Blanche, promoted Afrikaner nationalism and an independent Boer-Afrikaner republic.

Brazil saw the emergence of Brazilian Integralism in the 1920s and 1930s, a movement with characteristics of European fascism. After World War II, many Nazi war criminals fled to Brazil, hiding among German-Brazilian communities.

Guatemala's far-right government, led by Carlos Castillo Armas, utilized violent tactics after the 1954 coup. The National Liberation Movement and groups like Mano Blanca were involved in severe human rights abuses.

Chile's National Socialist Movement of Chile was active in the 1930s and later supported the 1973 coup that brought Augusto Pinochet to power. Pinochet's regime was marked by authoritarian rule and human rights violations.

During the Salvadoran Civil War, far-right death squads carried out violent actions, including the assassination of Archbishop Óscar Romero and the murder of three American nuns and a lay worker.

Honduras had far-right death squads active in the 1980s, notably Battalion 3–16, which received support and training from the United States.

The largest far-right party in Mexico is the National Synarchist Union, historically opposed to left-wing and secularist policies.

In Peru, Fujimorism emerged during the internal conflict, with plans for authoritarian control. Alberto Fujimori established this ideology, which continues to influence Peruvian politics today.

In the United States, the far-right includes groups like the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazi organizations, and white nationalist movements. These groups often hold conspiracist views and reject pluralist democracy. During the Cold War, far-right groups focused on anti-communism. The alt-right emerged during the 2016 presidential election, influenced by online platforms.

India's Bharatiya Janata Party has been described as combining economic nationalism with religious nationalism.

In Indonesia, some Islamists hold far-right views.

Iran's Principlists, especially Neoconservatives, have far-right and ultra-conservative views.

Israel has seen far-right politics, notably through the Kach party and its successor Otzma Yehudit, which promote anti-Arab and Kahanist ideologies.

Japan has over 1,000 extremist right-wing groups known as Uyoku dantai, which express anti-leftism and hostility towards China, North Korea, and South Korea.

In Malaysia, far-right non-governmental organizations have been using human rights language.

South Korea has seen authoritarian conservative dictatorships, and President Yoon Suk Yeol has been criticized for far-right political views.

Taiwan has seen far-right factions advocating for Chinese nationalism and unification with China, as well as radical Taiwanese nationalists promoting independence.

Armenia has far-right movements like the Armenian-Aryan Racialist Political Movement and the Adequate Party.

In Croatia, far-right groups are often linked to the historical Ustaše movement and promote neo-Nazi and neo-fascist ideologies.

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

Finland has seen far-right activity from groups like the Academic Karelia Society and the Lapua Movement, with current prominent neo-Nazi groups including the Nordic Resistance Movement.

France's largest far-right party is the National Rally, founded by Jean-Marie Le Pen and later led by his daughter Marine Le Pen.

Germany banned explicitly Nazi and neo-Nazi organizations after World War II. The far-right today includes parties like the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and Pegida.

Greece's far-right includes the Metaxist ideology and the neo-Nazi Golden Dawn party, which lost seats after legal actions against its leaders.

Italy's far-right has been present since the fall of Mussolini, with parties like the Italian Social Movement and more recent groups influenced by fascism.

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

Poland has seen far-right groups emerge after the fall of communism, including the National Revival of Poland and the All-Polish Youth.

Romania's Greater Romania Party is a prominent far-right party advocating for ethnic Romanian nationalism.

Russia's far-right includes neo-Nazi and fascist groups, with roots in the Black Hundreds and White movement, and organizations like Russian National Unity.

Serbia has far-right organizations 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 recent groups like Britain First and Patriotic Alternative.

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

New Zealand has had far-right organizations since World War II, including the New Zealand National Front, with limited support and activity.

Fiji's Nationalist Vanua Tako Lavo Party advocated Fijian ethnic nationalism before being 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 allow people to share strong opinions and organize around their beliefs.

Right-wing terrorism

Main article: Right-wing terrorism

Right-wing terrorism is driven by strong beliefs such as strong 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. While they often act alone, their activities have become more organized over time, as seen in tragic events in places like Christchurch, Pittsburgh, and Norway.