Bacchus MindEconomy Chronicle

“History Doesn’t Repeat Itself, but It Often Rhymes” – Mark Twain.

Eight EU member states—Croatia, the Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovakia and Austria—now have far-right parties as part of their governing coalitions. In Germany, a political party flagged as potentially ‘extremist’ by authorities recently secured a state election victory. Far-right parties also made significant gains in this summer’s European Parliament elections, triggering a snap national vote in France that raised the possibility of National Rally (RN) ascending to power. Meanwhile, in the United States, the political landscape shifted decisively rightward following the 2024 elections, culminating in Donald Trump’s decisive victory.

The recent rise of far-right movements is by no means a new phenomenon. Its persistent allure in today’s politics reflects specific social and economic dynamics rooted in historical precedents. The far-right has surged in popularity across many countries, fuelled by populist rhetoric, fear-mongering, and promises of returning to a ‘better past.’ Understanding its enduring appeal requires an exploration of economic precarity, cultural anxieties, and a historical trajectory that has typically seen the far-right flourish during periods of instability.

The Cyclical Rise of the Far Right

Far-right ideologies tend to resurface during periods of social unrest and economic downturns, tapping into public dissatisfaction with the political status quo. The interwar period in Europe saw a devastating rise in fascist movements, which thrived on promises of national revival and scapegoated marginalised groups for the hardships of the time. Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Party, Benito Mussolini’s Fascists, and Franco’s regime in Spain all emerged from social conditions of widespread unemployment, inflation, and disillusionment with democracy. The far right’s core message of “restoring order” and “protecting the nation” often finds a receptive audience when societies experience rapid change, whether due to economic globalisation, migration, or perceived moral decline. In this sense, far-right movements do not necessarily create the conditions for their success; they exploit existing social tensions, providing simplistic solutions to complex problems.

Economic Precarity and the Far Right’s Popularity

Economic insecurity is among today’s most important factors driving the far right’s appeal. Globalisation, technological advancements, and the neoliberal economic model have left many working-class communities feeling abandoned. The disappearance of stable, well-paying jobs due to automation and offshoring has led to widespread dissatisfaction, particularly in regions that once thrived on manufacturing and industrial work. The far-right capitalises on this discontent by blaming external forces—whether it’s immigrants, foreign powers, or elites in international institutions like the European Union. Parties like Marine Le Pen’s National Rally in France or the Alternative for Germany (AfD) argue that protecting national industries and limiting immigration will restore economic security. Their populist economic message, wrapped in nationalism, resonates with those who feel alienated from the benefits of a globalised economy.

In addition, far-right leaders often engage in anti-elitist rhetoric, positioning themselves as defenders of “the people” against corrupt, cosmopolitan elites. This narrative is appealing in societies where income inequality has soared and where many believe that traditional parties, both left and right, have failed to address their concerns. By proposing nationalist economic policies (such as restrictions on trade, immigration, and globalisation), they appeal to those who feel left out of the benefits of modern economies.

Cultural Anxiety: Migration and Identity

Alongside economic concerns, cultural anxiety plays a central role in far-right appeal. Large-scale migration, driven by conflict, climate change, and economic inequality, has transformed the demographic makeup of many countries. The far-right stokes fears about national identity, suggesting that immigration dilutes or threatens a homogeneous culture. In Europe, for example, far-right parties frequently present Muslim immigrants as incompatible with Western values, reinforcing an “us versus them” mentality. As such, this often manifests as a rejection of Islam and opposition to multiculturalism, while in the U.S., rhetoric against immigrants and ethnic minorities plays a central role. This focus on defending cultural identity appeals to individuals and communities who feel alienated by rapid social change.

The fear of losing cultural identity becomes more acute in an era of rapid social change, where traditional norms and values are perceived to be under threat. This dynamic is evident in the rhetoric of figures like Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, who has framed himself as a defender of Christian Europe against multiculturalism, and Donald Trump’s slogan of “Make America Great Again,” which promises a return to a glorified past of stability and cultural homogeneity. These messages resonate especially with older generations and rural populations, who feel left behind by progressive social movements and urban cosmopolitanism.

Globalisation has resulted in increased interconnectedness but has also led to a sense of lost control over national sovereignty. Supranational organisations, like the European Union, are often seen by far-right groups as eroding the autonomy of individual countries. In the U.S., this sentiment surfaces in resistance to international agreements and institutions. The far-right capitalises on these sentiments by advocating for a return to national self-reliance and promoting policies prioritising their citizens above international partnerships.

Mistrust in Political and Media Institutions

The erosion of trust in traditional political and media institutions has fuelled far-right populism. Many citizens feel disillusioned with mainstream political parties, believing they have failed to address economic hardship and cultural anxieties. Media outlets are often perceived as biased or out of touch with the concerns of ordinary people. Far-right leaders, conversely, present themselves as outsiders challenging a corrupt establishment, appealing to those who feel their voices have been neglected. Social media has amplified this narrative, enabling far-right movements to bypass traditional media channels and cultivate direct relationships with followers.

Historical Cycles of Reaction and the Appeal of “Strong Leadership”

Periods of social and economic upheaval are often followed by reactionary movements that promise to restore stability. Historically, far-right movements have thrived in times of crisis, presenting themselves as the only force capable of restoring order (think post-WW1 Germany). Leaders on the far right often project an image of “strong leadership,” appealing to those who feel democratic institutions are too slow or compromised to respond effectively to pressing issues.

Identity Politics and the Rise of Polarisation

The increased polarisation of politics, often along identity-based lines, has created an environment where the far right can thrive. By appealing to a base that feels its identity—whether racial, religious, or cultural—is under threat, far-right leaders exploit social divisions. They present themselves as the defenders of “true” national identity against a perceived onslaught from liberal or progressive ideologies. This can be particularly effective among people who feel alienated by progressive movements or resentful of what they perceive as overreach in social change.

The Erosion of Centrist Politics from the Global Stage

Centrism—once the dominant force in global politics—has been steadily eroding, giving way to rising polarisation between the far right and far left. This shift can be attributed to several key factors, including economic instability, cultural divisions, social media dynamics, rising populism and a growing distrust in establishment politics. As middle-class security erodes, voters increasingly seek bold, uncompromising solutions from the far right and left rather than the incremental pragmatism of centrist parties. Cultural polarisation, particularly around immigration, identity, and social justice, has further divided electorates, making consensus-driven politics less viable. Social media amplifies extreme voices and promotes content (which at times can include false or misleading information) that triggers strong emotional responses. These platforms often create echo chambers where users are exposed to views aligned with their own, and the algorithms prioritise provocative content, leading to a phenomenon where more balanced viewpoints are drowned out and marginalised. This results in the sidelining of moderate perspectives, while traditional centrist parties struggle with internal fragmentation, electoral volatility, and coalition challenges.

Populism (on both the left and the right) has surged because it presents itself as a direct challenge to the status quo. Unlike centrists, who emphasise negotiation and compromise, populist leaders use emotional, combative rhetoric to rally their base, blame elites, immigrants, or corporations for national struggles and offer simple, sweeping solutions to complex problems. Figures like Donald Trump, Jair Bolsonaro, Marine Le Pen, and Giorgia Meloni, including Donald Trump, Jair Bolsonaro, Marine Le Pen, and Giorgia Meloni, have capitalised on this frustration. At the same time, left-wing populists like Bernie Sanders and Jean-Luc Mélenchon have done the same from the other side of the spectrum. Centrists, by contrast, struggle to mobilise voters with their more nuanced, pragmatic approach. Additionally, crisis politics and the weakening of democratic institutions have fuelled demands for radical change, pushing people away from centrist solutions. The far-right capitalise on fears surrounding security and immigration, while the far left argues for systemic economic and environmental transformation. Meanwhile, centrists, perceived as indecisive or complicit in the status quo, fail to inspire broad support. A centrist revival would require serious economic reforms, a more compelling political vision, and stronger institutional trust—but until these factors improve, polarisation will likely continue shaping global politics.

Why is the Past Often Overlooked?

For many people who support far-right policies today, the painful history of far-right authoritarianism—such as the horrors of fascism in the 20th century—may seem distant, irrelevant, or even misrepresented. Leaders on the far right often disassociate themselves from these negative historical associations, focusing instead on immediate grievances and promising to solve concrete, contemporary problems. Additionally, modern far-right movements have refined their messaging, making it more palatable to mainstream audiences by focusing on nationalism and patriotism rather than explicitly authoritarian ideals.

In Sum: The Complicated Allure of the Far Right

The far right’s allure stems from its ability to offer simple, decisive answers to complex problems, often appealing to those who feel economically and culturally displaced. However, its rise threatens democratic institutions, deepens societal divisions, and prioritizes exclusionary policies over pragmatic governance. A shift back to centrism is crucial to restoring stability, fostering inclusive economic growth, and bridging ideological divides. Yet, this shift is difficult because centrism requires compromise, long-term solutions, and institutional trust—all of which have been eroded by years of political dysfunction and social fragmentation. Rebuilding faith in centrist politics will demand bold leadership, economic reforms that genuinely improve lives, and a renewed commitment to democratic values in an increasingly polarized world.