Far-Right Narratives

The Anti-Feminist Narrative: Theory vs. Practice

"I believe we are the only party in Germany who is really fighting for women’s rights, because we point out we’re in danger of losing the freedoms and rights of women for which we’ve fought for centuries.” You might assume that this quote is from a left-leaning or progressive German party. In that case, you are mistaken. These words were spoken by Nicole Höchst, member of the German far-right party, Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). Since one of characteristics of the far right is their anti-feminist narrative, this seems contradictory, does it not?  I believe the anti-feminist narrative is less well-understood than other...
Far Right in Time and Space

Today’s far right: Fascism 2.0?

https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2021/2/3/far-right-europe-pandemic The increasing popularity of far-right parties in the European political arena fueled a debate among scholars on whether it is worth to draw a parallel between 20th century fascism and today’s far-right parties. Considering the growing importance of these parties, I believe it is interesting to check out the standpoints of different historians in the debate and try to understand which one is the most reasonable. Using the F word: is it a good idea? Certain actions or assertions from the main representatives of the far-right parties that dominate European and global, politics, can spark a déjà vu taking...
Social Media and the Far Right

Why are Conventional Parties weaker Online?

politicians on their phone during a quick break ©Alex Ellinghausen Social media is a big part of everyday life. People all over the world use it as a way of connection. Far-right ideology has found a great part in that. We recognize extremist ideology all over social media. Unlock your phone and check your instagram. It won't take you long to be confronted with far-right ideology. When looking at for example instagram, far-right parties usually have high numbers of followers and likes, significantly more than the conventional parties even though they might have more seats in the government. Social media...
Social Media and the Far Right

Into the Stone Age: Politics Before Social Media

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok. Even Google and Youtube before that. Many people can no longer imagine their lives without the internet. Not only is it used for the spreading of important information, but it also is a big part of our social lives. Around 57% of the human population is active on one or more platforms of social media.   May I boldly assume this includes you, reader?  Since the early 1980’s, the internet has become an important medium. Not only does it allow people to stay in touch in a whole new way, but also in providing governments and news sites a platform to spread information, as well as letting citizens join in on...