The Politics of Protest [week 17]

The Rise of the Radical Right

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The Rise of the Radical Right

Protest and electionsIdeological continuity (and change)

Earlier protest movements

The Radical Right ‘phenomenon’

Italy – Lega Nord and Alleanza NazionaleAustria – Party for Freedom

France – Front NationalBelgium – Vlaams Belang

Netherlands – Freedom Party

Possible reasons for the impact of right wing radicalism among voters

Highlight genuine social grievancesDecline of distinct social groups

‘Disappearance’ of the LeftQuestions over the economic downturn,

2007-8

Radical Right parties – continuity or change?

Germany – many groups, long historyFrance – one group of significance (FN)Netherlands – pro-Jewish, pro-LGBTAustria – the enigmatic Jorg Haider

The Radical Right and Globalisation

- Focus tends to be on cultural impact- Property matters rarely an issue- Small-scale capitalism cherished- Marxism remains common enemy

Some thoughts:

1. Not just about Far Right ideology2. Not just about poor and ‘disaffected’ voters3. The effect of the ‘protest vote’ varies4. Effects of the Radical Right in government

are also varied5. The economic downturn is a tricky one6. Earlier protest movements . . .