Far-Right

Is right-wing populism really on its way out – or is it seeping into the mainstream? How can it be countered? An analysis in the wake of the upcoming elections.

Andrea Pető, a historian and professor at Hungary’s Central European University, discusses the struggles of women’s rights activists and organisations in the context of illiberal governments, arguing that identifying the mechanisms which undermine or threaten to roll back social progress helps us to better understand these forces.

Is social democracy in irreversible decline or does it need to be reimagined by different forces, such as the Greens?

Despite the expressions of relieved euphoria after the Dutch elections, there is little to celebrate.

By playing upon fears linked to social insecurities and loss of national identity, as well as threats to national security, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán seeks to position himself as the sole protector of his nation.

In the face of rising national populism, rather than seeking to combat these forces on their own terms, Green and progressive politicians can instead turn to a far more effective rhetorical tool.

France’s long and troubled relationship with Islam, and its connexion to a sense of insecurity, is unpacked by Olivier Roy and Esther Benbassa, who also explore the current role of religion in politics in general.

With many of the traditional larger parties in disarray in France, will this and a fatigue with the status quo play to the advantages of so-called outsiders such as Le Pen and Macron?

Is the Freedom Party a prime example of the rise of far-right populism around Europe? Or are things more complicated?

Alexander Van der Bellen’s election as president was a boost for Austrian Greens, but many challenges lie ahead.