The Rise of the Far Right in the UK and Europe: A Political Transformation

The rise of the far right in the United Kingdom and across Europe has become a notable trend in recent years. Far-right movements, once relegated to fringe elements, have gained significant traction, influencing national political landscapes and challenging established democratic norms. This shift in the political climate is driven by several interconnected factors, including economic discontent, concerns about national identity, and growing scepticism toward European integration. The far-right’s influence is not just about isolated parties; it is also linked to a broader ideological shift across the continent, marking a significant turning point in European politics.

Defining the Far Right and Its Ideologies

To understand the rise of far-right movements in Europe, it is important to first define what is meant by "far right." In general, the far right refers to a political ideology characterised by extreme nationalism, authoritarian tendencies, and opposition to liberal democratic norms. While there are variations within far-right groups, key elements often include nationalism, authoritarianism, populism, and anti-liberalism, which collectively make up the ideological framework of far-right movements.

Nationalism is one of the defining features of far-right ideology. It refers to an intense focus on the interests and identity of the nation-state, often emphasising cultural or ethnic homogeneity. This ideology manifests as anti-immigrant sentiment, xenophobia, and Euroscepticism (Mudde, 2019). Nationalism on the far right is usually exclusionary, as these movements often view immigration as a threat to the nation’s identity, security, and economic stability (Mudde, 2019; Minkenberg, 2017). Nationalism is also expressed through efforts to preserve traditional values, such as religious identity and national customs, often reacting against globalisation’s perceived erosion of these norms (Taggart, 2000).

Authoritarianism is another key component of far-right ideologies. This refers to support for strong centralised power, typically led by a charismatic leader, with a preference for order and control over individual freedoms. Far-right groups often seek to undermine democratic institutions, favouring a concentration of power in the hands of the state to enforce their vision of social order (Mudde, 2019). The authoritarian bent is often coupled with distrust in the liberal democratic process and institutions, which are seen as weak, corrupt, or too accommodating to foreign influences (Laclau, 2005).

Populism is a rhetorical style frequently used by far-right groups to frame politics as a battle between the "pure" people and the "corrupt" elite. Populist far-right leaders claim to represent the will of the people against the established political elites, who are seen as out of touch or self-serving. This anti-elitist sentiment is central to many far-right platforms, which claim to speak for the forgotten, disenfranchised masses who feel alienated by mainstream politics (Minkenberg, 2017; Rydgren, 2018). Populism also enables far-right movements to mobilise support by portraying complex political issues as simple, clear-cut battles between good and evil (Taggart, 2000).

Lastly, anti-liberalism is an essential characteristic of the far right. Anti-liberalism refers to a rejection of liberal democratic values such as individual rights, freedom of the press, and the rule of law. Far-right groups often position themselves in opposition to progressive policies, particularly on issues such as immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental regulations. They argue that liberalism, with its focus on equality and individual freedoms, is incompatible with the preservation of national identity and security (Mudde, 2019; Laclau, 2005).

Economic and Cultural Context

The rise of the far right is deeply intertwined with economic and cultural shifts that have unfolded over the past few decades. One key factor has been economic discontent, especially following the global financial crisis of 2008. The subsequent years of austerity measures and economic inequality left many people feeling alienated and marginalised. These policies, which were implemented to stabilise national economies, particularly in countries like the UK, Greece, Italy, and Spain, led to rising unemployment, reduced public services, and stagnant wages. In many areas, particularly those that were once centres of industry, there was a palpable sense of neglect by the political establishment. This economic discontent provided fertile ground for far-right parties to promote their populist message (Kallis, 2018; Rydgren, 2018).

Far-right movements have also capitalised on concerns about immigration, which have become particularly pronounced in Europe following the 2015 refugee crisis. Large numbers of refugees and migrants from conflict zones in the Middle East and Africa sought asylum in Europe, triggering fears about cultural change, job competition, and pressure on social services. Far-right parties have used these fears to stoke anti-immigrant sentiment, framing the issue as a threat to national security, cultural identity, and economic stability. These parties often advocate for stricter immigration controls, the preservation of national cultures, and the protection of local job markets (Mudde, 2019; Minkenberg, 2017; Kallis, 2018).

The Role of Euroscepticism

Another defining feature of many far-right movements in Europe is their Euroscepticism, or opposition to European integration. Far-right parties view the European Union (EU) as an undemocratic institution that undermines national sovereignty. They argue that the EU’s bureaucratic structures, regulations, and policies erode the power of nation-states and impose a one-size-fits-all approach to governance. This Euroscepticism is particularly strong in the UK, where the Brexit referendum in 2016 resulted in a vote to leave the EU. The campaign for Brexit was heavily influenced by far-right populist rhetoric, which framed the EU as an elitist institution that threatened British sovereignty and culture. Far-right groups in the UK, such as the UK Independence Party (UKIP) and later the Brexit Party (now Reform UK), were central players in this movement (Mudde, 2019; Laclau, 2005).

In other parts of Europe, parties like France’s National Rally (formerly the National Front), Italy’s Lega (League), and Hungary’s Fidesz party have voiced similar criticisms of the EU. These parties argue that membership in the EU undermines national identity and prevents countries from making independent decisions on issues like immigration, trade, and security. These parties often advocate for a return to more nationalistic forms of governance, where decisions are made at the national level, free from the influence of Brussels (Minkenberg, 2017; Rydgren, 2018).

The Influence of Social Media

The rise of the far right in Europe has also been facilitated by the growing influence of social media. In the past, far-right parties and movements struggled to gain visibility in mainstream media, often being relegated to fringe status. However, with the advent of digital platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, far-right groups have been able to bypass traditional media outlets and communicate directly with supporters. These platforms have allowed for the rapid dissemination of far-right ideas, including anti-immigrant rhetoric, nationalist messaging, and conspiratorial narratives. Social media has played a crucial role in the spread of populist and extremist ideologies, allowing far-right movements to build large, organised networks of supporters (Lancelot, 2020; Minkenberg, 2017).

Social media has also made it easier for far-right groups to coordinate actions, such as protests and demonstrations, and to rally around issues that resonate with their base. The ability to rapidly mobilise support through digital networks has made the far right more influential in contemporary political debates, as traditional parties struggle to keep up with the speed and reach of online campaigns (Lancelot, 2020; Rydgren, 2018).

Country-Specific Examples

The United Kingdom’s experience with the far right has been most prominently seen through the Brexit vote. While UKIP (the UK Independence Party) initially spearheaded the campaign to leave the European Union, the movement garnered widespread support from across the political spectrum, including from far-right factions. The rhetoric surrounding Brexit was framed around regaining national sovereignty, with anti-immigrant sentiment being a central theme. In the years following the referendum, far-right groups such as the Brexit Party (now Reform UK) have maintained pressure on the Conservative Party, pushing it further to the right on issues like immigration, national identity, and EU relations (Mudde, 2019; Laclau, 2005).

In France, the National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, has been a key player in the rise of the far right. The party has undergone a process of rebranding, seeking to distance itself from its more extremist past while maintaining its core anti-immigrant, nationalist platform. Le Pen’s success in the 2022 French presidential election, where she reached the final round with over 40% of the vote, indicates the growing acceptance of far-right politics in France. Her party’s influence is also seen in the increasing prominence of nationalist rhetoric in French public life, with debates around issues like secularism, national identity, and immigration becoming more polarised (Mudde, 2019; Rydgren, 2018).

In Germany, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has emerged as the most prominent far-right party. Initially founded as an anti-Euro party, the AfD has transformed into a major player in German politics, particularly in the eastern states, where it has capitalised on economic discontent and dissatisfaction with the political establishment. The AfD’s opposition to immigration and the EU has made it popular among voters who feel disconnected from the mainstream political parties. The AfD has been accused of harbouring extremist elements, and German intelligence agencies have monitored the party due to concerns over its potential for radicalisation (Kallis, 2018; Minkenberg, 2017).

In Italy, Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party, which has roots in post-fascist ideology, has gained considerable support. Meloni’s rhetoric emphasises national pride, opposition to immigration, and the preservation of traditional family values. In 2022, her party led a right-wing coalition that resulted in her becoming Italy’s first female prime minister. Meloni’s rise signals the increasing strength of the far right in a country that has seen political instability and shifting ideological landscapes (Minkenberg, 2017; Rydgren, 2018).

Conclusion

The rise of the far right in the UK and Europe represents a significant shift in the continent’s political dynamics. Far-right parties have increasingly moved from the margins to the mainstream, advocating for nationalism, anti-immigrant policies, and scepticism toward European integration. Their success is linked to deep-rooted social and economic discontent, as well as the growing influence of digital platforms in spreading far-right ideologies. While these movements vary in their specifics, they share common themes of opposition to liberal democratic values, economic globalisation, and multiculturalism. Understanding these factors and the ideologies behind the far-right movements is crucial for addressing the challenges they pose to the future of European democracy.

References

1. Mudde, C. (2019). The Far Right Today. Polity Press.

2. Minkenberg, M. (2017). The Far Right and the Challenge to European Democracy. European Journal of Political Research.

3. Kallis, A. (2018). The European Far Right: History, Ideology and Postwar Politics. Edinburgh University Press.

4. Taggart, P. (2000). Populism. Open University Press.

5. Laclau, E. (2005). The Populist Reason. Verso.

6. Rydgren, J. (2018). The Far Right in America. Routledge.

7. Lancelot, M. (2020). Social Media and the Radicalisation of European Politics. Social Science Quarterly.