The next print edition of the Green European Journal will analyse Europe’s far right and the ways to combat it. We are open to essays, photo essays, interviews, and comics/graphic journalism. Deadline to send your pitch: Monday 16 September 2024.
Europe’s far-right problem is not going away.
The results of recent European and French elections were greeted with a sigh of relief. But to simply rejoice when “the centre holds” is to ignore the fact that the “centre” is getting thinner and more skewed to the right. Plus, firewalls cannot hold out indefinitely if the fire keeps spreading.
In several EU countries, barriers have already collapsed. The Netherlands is only the latest addition to a growing list of member states where the far right is part of the government. As the negative consequences of extreme-right rule on media freedom, European integration, the rule of law, and minorities’ rights are well known, the “let them govern” strategy is either naive or comes from a place of privilege. There is also no conclusive evidence that governing would cost the far right its popularity.
Even where far-right forces are not at the helm, they exert a firm grip on the mainstream, and their narratives have been embraced by once-moderate actors. Our societies seem more polarised than ever, and cultural battles are waged on gender, sexuality, and reproduction. Racist mobs in the UK are only the most recent example of incendiary rhetoric spilling over into physical violence.
So, what next in the fight for free, just, and inclusive societies?
Blaming voters for their misconceptions or claiming a moral high ground only reinforces the perception of progressives as a detached elite. While disinformation is certainly an issue, the idea that “getting the facts straight” or “communicating better” is the solution against the far right is simply delusional.
Ever-growing inequalities, a care crisis, social and economic insecurity amplified by rapid technological change, and geopolitical instability are among the core anxieties that have enabled the success of right-wing populism. If the far right is to be defeated, they all need to be addressed.
Cultural concerns are equally crucial. We are faced with the challenge of rebuilding a sense of community without falling back into trite and exclusionary identity categories. Initiatives that have managed to foster inclusive and cohesive communities at the local level must be scaled up or replicated, and new visions are needed for the national and European levels.
What do political ecology and the green movement have to offer in this endeavour?
Greens have become one of the main targets of right-wing rhetoric. They are framed as simultaneously too liberal (“woke”) and too restrictive of individual freedom (through the climate policies they advocate for). While this backlash partly reflects the increased prominence of climate issues in the mainstream debate, Greens haven’t yet managed to put forward a social and political project able to convince majorities.
Here are some ideas to get a better sense of what we are looking for:
- Root causes: investigating the reasons for the far right’s success
- Analysis of far-right tactics and how to respond to them
- Culture wars: how they are waged and how to fight them
- Fighting back: reimagining systems that, in their current form, are playing into the hands of the far right – from the food system to education, (health) care, and technology
- Outlining credible visions on issues such as immigration, militarisation, security, etc. while challenging right-wing tropes
- Rebuilding community: local/national/international/European examples of what it means to build cohesive, inclusive communities. Under-reported stories from Central and Eastern Europe are particularly welcome
- Political ecology and green perspectives: drawing on political ecology as a source of political visions and ideas to counter the far right
Editorial requirements
We are looking for all kinds of contributions that stimulate debate, reflection, and imagination. We are open to formats such as essays, interviews, photo essays, and comics/graphic journalism.
Pitches should be sent to alessio.giussani@gef.eu
Accepted contributions are paid a minimum fee of 300 EUR. The exact fee will be agreed with the editor.
The Green European Journal strives to be an inclusive space, bringing together a diverse range of voices and perspectives. We welcome contributions from everyone. Contributions from those belonging to the following groups are especially encouraged: women, people of colour, people with a physical or mental disability, LGBTQI+ individuals, and ethnic, cultural, and religious minorities. Contributions from southern and eastern Europe and from outside the European Union are particularly welcome.
If you would like to make a submission but require some support to do so, we invite you to contact us directly. Send us a summary of your proposed contribution and introduce yourself before submitting a draft. We’re happy for contributors to write in a language of their choosing. Before contacting us, check our editorial guidelines carefully. Submissions may be published in print or online.
The deadline to send your pitch is Monday 16 September 2024. Pitches will be reviewed on a rolling basis.