The global rise of the alt-right

The "alt-right" or "alternative right" encompasses a collection of far-right ideologies with strong associations to nativism and populism. The leader of the white supremacist National Policy Institute describes the alt-right movement as one that rejects egalitarianism and advocates for the preservation of traditional Western civilization along with a return to libertarian-style governance. While its origins in the U.S. can be traced back to the 1964 presidential nomination of Barry Goldwater, this distinct strain of conservative thought has deeper historical roots within smaller fringe groups.

In Europe, there has been a rise of groups that align similarly with the far right across the globe. This growth can be attributed to social, cultural and political factors, which have been exacerbated since the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided. Change in demographics due to mass migration has provoked fear among individuals who believe their way of life is under threat. Political polarization, especially in governments with two-party systems of grid-locked coalition legislatures, has allowed hyper-conservative (and liberal) groups to exploit political divisions and economic downturns. This has fueled feelings of resentment toward the current economic status quo.

Spain

Spain is an example of how the alt-right has grown significantly, subsequently affecting Spain’s political landscape. In local elections, Spain's conservative and hard-right parties achieved significant victories, establishing coalitions poised to impact national politics. In the small town of Elche, the conservative Popular Party allied with the hard-right Vox party, granting Vox a deputy mayor position and a platform to champion traditional family values. This coalition model is viewed as a potential blueprint for national politics, with upcoming elections potentially leading to a conservative government. 

The surge of hard-right parties across Europe reflects apprehensions regarding globalization, migration and national identity, reflecting a nativist desire aligned with the alt-right. In Spain, there are worries about Vox becoming part of a conservative coalition, which could legitimize its far-right views. Some conservatives see working with Vox as a way to weaken it, but others fear the consequences. Vox opposes progressive stances on climate change, LGBTQ+ rights and feminism, appealing to voters unhappy with Spain's progressive direction. Critics say Vox supports discrimination, especially concerning gender-based violence laws.

Austria

In Austria, the populist far-right Freedom Party (FPO) capitalized on various domestic political developments, including rising inflation and energy prices, as well as scandals within other major parties. This led the FPO to victory in the Salzburg state elections, paving the way for greater FPO influence in Austrian politics. 

This reflects a significant bounce-back from the FPO after the “Ibiza Affair” in 2019. The incident involved a secretly recorded video of Heinz-Christian Strache, who was the leader of the FPO at the time, and Johann Gudenus, another FPO member, meeting with a woman on the Spanish island of Ibiza. In the video, Strache and Gudenus discussed potential political deals in exchange for favors, including the woman posing as a wealthy Russian investor interested in influencing Austrian politics. 

By differentiating itself on critical issues such as the government response to the coronavirus and Austria's stance on international affairs like the war in Ukraine, the FPO has managed to win back some of its previous voters.

The FPO has faced accusations of harboring far-right and extremist elements within the party, specifically regarding the party's historical ties to neo-Nazi groups and individuals, as well as instances of xenophobic and antisemitic rhetoric among some party members. Despite its controversial history, including its origins in the 1950s led by former Nazis, the FPO has managed to maintain its prominence in Austrian politics. While it has achieved victories in state-level elections, its performance in parliamentary elections scheduled for fall 2024 will determine its future trajectory. 

Germany

Famously, the German Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) has grown exponentially since its founding in 2013. The AfD was founded under Euroscepticism regarding European integration, but it has grown to encompass a wide variety of reactionary views. In recent parliamentary elections, the AfD secured the largest number of seats in the Bundestag since 1961 — marking a pivotal time for German politics. 

Reasons for the rise of this party include capitalizing on public concerns surrounding immigration, particularly after the German government's decision to accept a large influx of refugees in 2015. Criticism of gender-sensitive language and defense of traditional family values appealed to supporters seeking to express national pride openly. Media and digital platforms were used to expand their message to a greater audience. The use of speeches, statements and gestures by AfD leaders in order to stay relevant in politics were calculated. 

Recently, there has been discussion regarding the potential legal avenues of banning the AfD from German politics. The discussion is influenced by Germany's Nazi past, with some seeing a ban as a necessary safeguard against threats to democracy. However, others caution that attempting to ban the AfD could backfire, allowing the party to portray itself as a victim of anti-democratic actions. The AfD itself dismisses calls for a ban as undemocratic and argues that its opponents lack substantive arguments against its policies. 

The rise of hard-right parties has reshaped political landscapes, leading to significant electoral victories and influencing policy agendas. However, their ascent has also sparked concerns about the legitimization of far-right views and the erosion of democratic norms.