Contemporary Far-Right Thinkers and the Future of Liberal Democracy

A study of the efforts of far-right thinkers to popularize their critiques of liberal democratic norms and institutions, covering the European New Right, Paleoconservatism, the Alt-right, Identitarianism, White nationalism, and antifeminism.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 334 pages
\n Publication date: 27 September 2021
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
\n

The first comprehensive examination of the strategies employed by a diverse array of contemporary far-right thinkers to mainstream their critiques of liberal democratic norms and institutions and elevate their ideas to the forefront of sustained political and academic discourse. This study encompasses the European New Right, Paleoconservatism, the Alt-right, Identitarianism, White nationalism, and antifeminism. It delves into the thought processes of influential figures such as Alain de Benoist, Guillaume Faye, Götz Kubitschek, Pat Buchanan, Fróði Midjord, and Jason Jorjani, among others.

The European New Right emerged in the 1970s as a response to the perceived decline of traditional values and institutions in Western societies. It advocated for a return to a conservative, nationalist, and authoritarian ideology, emphasizing the importance of national identity, cultural heritage, and traditional gender roles. The movement gained significant traction in Europe, particularly in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, and has influenced political discourse and policy in many countries.

Paleoconservatism is a conservative political ideology that emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional social structures and values. It rejects the idea of progressivism and postmodernism, which it sees as threats to traditional society. Paleoconservatives often advocate for a return to a gold standard, limited government intervention, and strong defense of traditional institutions such as the family, church, and school.

The Alt-right is a political movement that emerged in the early 2010s as a response to the perceived rise of multiculturalism and political correctness. It is characterized by its anti-immigration, anti-Semitic, and white nationalist ideology. The movement has gained significant traction online, particularly on social media platforms, and has been associated with a range of extremist activities, including hate speech and violence.

Identitarianism is a political ideology that emphasizes the importance of cultural and ethnic identity. It rejects the idea of a universal, abstract human nature and instead promotes the idea that different groups of people have unique cultural and genetic characteristics that should be celebrated and protected. Identitarianism has been associated with a range of political movements, including the far-right, but it is also seen as a response to the perceived marginalization of certain groups in society.

White nationalism is a political ideology that emphasizes the importance of white identity and the superiority of the white race. It rejects the idea of multiculturalism and advocates for the return of white dominance in society. White nationalists often use racist and xenophobic rhetoric to promote their beliefs and have been associated with a range of extremist activities, including hate speech and violence.

Antifeminism is a political ideology that promotes the idea that women are inferior to men and that they should be subjugated to male authority. It is often associated with misogyny andogynophobic rhetoric and has been used to justify a range of discriminatory policies and practices, including sexual harassment, domestic violence, and gender-based discrimination.

The study of contemporary far-right thinkers and their critiques of liberal democratic norms and institutions has become an increasingly important area of research in recent years. These thinkers have been able to gain significant attention and influence in public discourse, and their ideas have been shaping political and social policies around the world. However, their ideas also raise important questions about the nature of democracy, the role of the state, and the rights and freedoms of individuals.

One of the key challenges facing contemporary far-right thinkers is the need to mainstream their ideas and make them more accessible to a broader audience. This has been achieved in part through the use of social media platforms, which have provided a platform for these thinkers to express their views and connect with a wider audience. However, this has also led to concerns about the spread of misinformation and the potential for extremist ideologies to gain traction in society.

Another challenge facing contemporary far-right thinkers is the need to engage in constructive dialogue with other political and social movements. This has been difficult, as many far-right thinkers are seen as enemies by mainstream political parties and social movements. However, engaging in constructive dialogue can help to build bridges between different groups and promote understanding and respect.

Despite these challenges, contemporary far-right thinkers have been able to make significant contributions to the debate about liberal democratic norms and institutions. They have challenged the status quo
quo and challenged the idea that there is a universal, abstract human nature and instead promoted the idea that different groups of people have unique cultural and genetic characteristics that should be celebrated and protected. They have also challenged the idea that women are inferior to men and have advocated for the rights and freedoms of individuals, particularly those who are marginalized or oppressed.

However, it is important to recognize that contemporary far-right thinkers are not without their critics. Many mainstream political parties and social movements view them as threats to democracy and human rights, and they have been accused of promoting hate speech and violence. It is important to engage in open and honest dialogue with these critics and to work towards finding common ground and promoting a more inclusive and tolerant society.

In conclusion, the study of contemporary far-right thinkers and their critiques of liberal democratic norms and institutions is an important area of research that has the potential to shape political and social discourse in the years to come. These thinkers have been able to gain significant attention and influence in public discourse, but they also face important challenges in terms of mainstreaming their ideas and engaging in constructive dialogue with other political and social movements. By recognizing the importance of these challenges and working towards a more inclusive and tolerant society, we can help to promote understanding and respect and build a more peaceful and prosperous world.

\n Weight: 540g\n
Dimension: 343 x 162 x 28 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780367611620\n \n