Fascism, a political ideology rooted in authoritarianism, nationalism, and the suppression of dissent, has seen a disturbing resurgence in Europe over the past few years. This revival, characterised by the rise of right-wing populist movements, has been fuelled by a combination of economic discontent, cultural anxiety, and dissatisfaction with traditional political elites. As many European countries grapple with issues like immigration, the aftermath of the European financial crisis, and shifting global power dynamics, right-wing rhetoric that promises to restore national pride and protect local identities has gained significant traction. In light of this, what exactly is fascism, and why is it once again becoming a force to reckon with across Europe? This editorial seeks to delve into the nature of fascism and explore the reasons behind the growing right-wing sentiment.
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Fascism as an Ideology
Fascism, as an ideology, was most infamously represented in the early-to-mid 20th century by regimes such as Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler and Fascist Italy under Benito Mussolini. At its core, fascism advocates for an authoritarian state that exalts nationalism, often to the point of xenophobia, and seeks to suppress political opposition and societal pluralism. Fascists reject liberal democracy, arguing that power should be concentrated in a dictatorial leader or small elite, rather than being dispersed through democratic means. These ideas manifested in the form of extreme control over civil liberties, violent nationalism, militarisation, and state-enforced unity.
Modern Right-Wing Populism and the Resurgence of Fascist Elements
Moving into the 21st century, while explicit fascist movements may not dominate European politics, elements of fascist ideology have resurfaced, particularly in the form of right-wing populism. Across Europe, parties and movements that champion anti-immigration policies, nationalism, and disdain for the European Union (EU) have gained significant traction. This shift in political sentiment is not isolated to one country but is a continent-wide phenomenon, largely driven by populist leaders capitalising on economic, social, and political instability. To understand why this is happening, it is crucial to examine both the historical roots of fascism and the contemporary conditions that allow right-wing movements to flourish.
Economic Instability and Discontent
One of the most significant driving forces behind the rise of right-wing sentiment in Europe is economic instability. The aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis left many European nations grappling with rising unemployment, austerity measures, and stagnant growth. Countries such as Greece, Italy, Spain, and France faced severe economic hardship, with entire generations left without job prospects. This economic disillusionment created fertile ground for right-wing populist leaders to exploit people's anger towards the political establishment, blaming global capitalism, immigration, and EU policies for their economic woes.
In particular, the European Union (EU) has become a target for right-wing populists, who argue that Brussels' bureaucratic nature and policies are detrimental to national sovereignty. They point to the imposition of austerity measures in struggling economies as a way the EU has undermined national control over economic affairs. For many voters, the EU's influence, along with the rise of multinational corporations and the decline of traditional industries, represents a loss of control and identity. In this environment, populist leaders like Marine Le Pen in France, Viktor Orbán in Hungary, and Matteo Salvini in Italy have used economic anxiety to rally support for nationalist and anti-globalist agendas.
Immigration and National Identity
Another critical factor fuelling the rise of right-wing movements across Europe is the issue of immigration. Since the 2015 refugee crisis, which saw over a million refugees, mainly from Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq, entering Europe, immigration has become a highly charged political issue. For many Europeans, the influx of migrants has raised concerns over cultural identity, social cohesion, and the strain on welfare systems.
Right-wing populist parties have effectively used the fear of immigration to galvanise support, painting migrants as a threat to national security, cultural values, and social stability. These parties argue that unchecked immigration leads to the erosion of national identity and the dilution of traditional European values. For instance, Viktor Orbán’s government in Hungary has vigorously opposed migrant quotas proposed by the EU, framing the issue as a battle to protect Hungary's Christian identity. Similarly, in Italy, Matteo Salvini’s League party has made stopping illegal immigration a central issue of its platform, arguing that migrants are both an economic burden and a source of rising crime rates.
The rising prominence of anti-immigrant rhetoric is often framed in terms of protecting Europe’s cultural and ethnic purity, echoing the xenophobic and nationalist aspects of fascism. While these arguments tap into legitimate concerns over integration and social cohesion, they are often exaggerated and used as scapegoats for broader issues, such as economic inequality and job insecurity.
The Decline of Traditional Political Parties and Mainstream Media
The disillusionment with traditional political elites has also played a role in the rise of right-wing populism. In many European countries, mainstream political parties are seen as out of touch with the concerns of ordinary citizens. This perception of a disconnected political class, combined with the sense that traditional parties have failed to address the challenges of globalisation and immigration, has led many voters to turn to populist alternatives.
Right-wing populist leaders have capitalised on this sentiment by presenting themselves as "outsiders" who will challenge the political establishment. Parties like the National Rally in France, the Alternative for Germany (AfD), and the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) have tapped into this disillusionment, presenting themselves as the voice of the "people" against corrupt political elite that is perceived to be more concerned with preserving its own power than addressing the needs of citizens. These movements emphasise direct democracy, often in opposition to traditional representative systems, and encourage populist rhetoric that vilifies political opponents as traitors or elites.
Moreover, the decline of trust in traditional media outlets has allowed alternative, often more extreme, and narratives to gain traction. Social media platforms have become breeding grounds for the spread of populist and fascist ideologies, where sensationalist content and conspiracy theories thrive. Right-wing movements have adeptly used these platforms to bypass traditional media, directly communicating with their base and creating echo chambers that reinforce their messages of nationalism, anti-elitism, and anti-immigration.
The Resurgence of Nationalism and Authoritarianism
In addition to populism, nationalism and authoritarianism have been gaining ground in Europe. Nationalist rhetoric, often linked to the defence of sovereignty, has found a receptive audience in the wake of the European Union’s increasing centralisation and the erosion of national borders. Right-wing parties frequently argue that globalism and EU policies are undermining national identity, and they propose returning power to the nation-state.
The authoritarian elements of these movements are also evident in the rhetoric of leaders like Hungary's Viktor Orbán and Poland's Jarosław Kaczyński, who have consolidated power by weakening democratic institutions and suppressing opposition. Orbán, for example, has built what he calls an "illiberal democracy," where freedom of speech, press, and assembly are increasingly curtailed. These trends are reminiscent of fascist regimes, which often sought to concentrate power in a single leader or party while eliminating dissenting voices.
In addition to authoritarianism at the national level, right-wing movements often espouse militaristic and aggressive foreign policies, including the idea of "protecting the homeland" from perceived external threats. This authoritarian nationalism has found resonance in countries where economic and social anxieties are linked to broader fears of foreign influence, whether from migrants or external political forces.
The Fragmentation of the European Union and International Polarization
The fragmentation of the European Union (EU) is another significant driver of right-wing sentiment. The EU, once a symbol of unity and cooperation, has been increasingly viewed as a bureaucratic entity that undermines national sovereignty. Brexit, the UK’s decision to leave the EU, is a prime example of this sentiment in action. For many Britons, the EU represented an overreach of foreign governance, and the rise of Eurosceptic parties across Europe mirrors this disillusionment.
In the context of a more polarised global order, right-wing European movements are also looking to align themselves with other authoritarian regimes, such as Russia and China, in opposition to the U.S. and traditional Western allies. This realignment is part of a broader trend where nationalism and opposition to supranational institutions like the EU have merged with a more aggressive, sometimes fascistic, vision of the future.
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The rise of right-wing sentiment across Europe is deeply concerning, as it signals a shift away from the liberal values that have shaped the continent for decades. However, it is essential to understand that while right-wing populism often adopts elements of fascist ideology, it is not a direct return to the fascism of the 20th century. Rather, it represents a more complex mixture of nationalism, authoritarianism, and economic discontent. While it is easy to blame economic or immigration issues, the growing appeal of these movements reflects deeper societal shifts, including a loss of faith in traditional institutions and a yearning for stronger national identities. The challenge, therefore, is to address these underlying issues without succumbing to the dangers of authoritarianism and fascism.
Fascism, in its historical form, sought to create a highly centralised, authoritarian state defined by nationalism and the suppression of dissent. Today, though explicit fascist regimes may be rare, elements of fascist ideology are being revived through right-wing populist movements in Europe. Economic instability, fears of immigration, and the decline of trust in traditional political systems have fuelled this resurgence, with leaders tapping into a sense of national pride and resentment towards globalisation. While this trend is alarming, it is a reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions and the need for vigilance against the rise of authoritarianism in any form. The question now is how Europe will respond—whether it will rekindle its commitment to democratic values or fall prey to the siren call of nationalism and authoritarianism.
