Mainstream mayhem: How far-right ideologies fuelled UK riots

The UK experienced a resurgence of riots starting on 30 July, triggered by the tragic stabbing of three young girls. This incident has reignited discussions about the violent threats posed by far-right movements to vulnerable groups, including migrants and Muslims.

In the aftermath of the knife attack, social media became a breeding ground for misinformation and rumours, which subsequently led to acts of vandalism targeting British mosques and Muslim cemeteries. These riots coincided with an election campaign where right-wing media and politicians, such as Nigel Farage of the Reform Party, intensified their scapegoating of Muslims and further fuelled anti-immigrant sentiments.

A recent poll revealed that 92% of British Muslims feel significantly less secure following the far-right riots. Many are now apprehensive about leaving their homes, with one in six individuals having personally encountered a racist attack and two-thirds witnessing such an incident against another Muslim. The recent election campaign in France, along with previous ones across Europe, including Italy and Spain, has seen a surge in support for far-right politicians among substantial portions of the electorate. To comprehend these evolving dynamics, it is crucial to examine four key aspects of the European far-right: its ideology, objectives, and political agenda; the threat it poses; the influence of such parties at the ballot box; and, most critically, the motivations behind voters' support for them. Despite their national differences, right-wing parties and movements exhibit a consistent ideological foundation that transcends historical and geographical boundaries, manifesting in remarkably similar electoral platforms.

The core ideology of the "extreme right," now often referred to as "national populism" or "new populism" by political analysts, encompasses several key elements: an intense nationalism that glorifies national pride and often implies a sense of national superiority, as seen in Trumpism, Putinism, and Modism. This ideology venerates the nation and the "people," promoting a nativist, frequently racialist (predominantly white), and exclusionary view of these revered entities. Additionally, this ideological framework advocates for "traditional" or conservative religious values, emphasising traditional marriage and the nuclear family while opposing abortion and same-sex marriage.

A hallmark of these movements is the rigid, authoritarian imposition of law and order, coupled with a profound distrust of "globalism" in its myriad forms. This manifests in a rejection of immigration, open borders, cosmopolitanism, and multiculturalism, all in favour of a nationalistic vision of a homogeneous, unchanging society.

Far-right groups employ similar strategies to attract and retain followers. These include populism and the aggressive vilification of "arrogant, disconnected, and illegitimate" political, cultural, and artistic elites. They often adopt an anti-establishment stance, portraying themselves as underdogs, or they elevate a strong, charismatic leader—figures like Donald Trump, Viktor Orbán, and Giorgia Meloni—as symbols of their cause. The dissemination of alarmist narratives about the "decline" of Western civilisation further fuels support for these movements. To rationalise this perceived "decline," proponents systematically scapegoat "dominant" ideologies such as "globalism" and "wokism," as well as groups like the "elites" or the "left," whom they accuse of enforcing pernicious "political correctness." Additionally, various minorities are often targeted as part of this blame shifting.

The recent violent riots by the British far-right underscore the persistent and severe threat posed by virulent Islamophobia. This menace extends beyond Muslims to include any individuals perceived or radicalised as Muslims, such as Christian, atheist, or agnostic Arabs, thereby posing a continuous physical danger.

Historically, the far right, in its various fascist and Nazi forms, has demonstrated a consistent pattern of violence and multifaceted threats to both physical safety and democratic principles. Their primary targets are minorities they label as internal enemies—foreigners, refugees, asylum seekers, Muslims, and individuals with darker skin tones. However, the far right's threat extends to entire societies and nations, as evidenced by historical precedents.

Despite their efforts at "detoxification" and normalisation, the ideologies espoused by the far right remain profoundly anti-democratic, inegalitarian, authoritarian, essentialist, and exclusivist. These ideologies attack core Western values, including the rule of law, the separation of powers, and the independence of cultural, media, and intellectual spheres. Their continued propagation represents some of the most detrimental aspects of Western political thought.

The far right often thrives on irrational and alarmist notions of racial and civilisational supremacy, coupled with the perceived threats posed by immigration and "Islamisation" to white Christian ethnostates.

The remarkable rise of far-right movements across the Western world, including the United States, warrants significant concern for several reasons. Firstly, over the past three decades, these movements have expanded at such a rapid pace that formerly fringe parties, like France's National Front, now find themselves capable of securing high-level governmental positions. Secondly, the influence of the far right extends beyond their notable electoral successes; their ideologies and focal issues, such as immigration, "Islamisation," and the purported surge in crime and insecurity, have permeated the broader political discourse and societal norms.

In numerous European nations, the doctrines of the far right have transcended mere trivialisation and have become entrenched in the mainstream. Despite any indications of waning influence, the far right continues to expand in every conceivable dimension: sociologically, ideologically, and politically. Additionally, support is garnered from pragmatic cynics who prioritise their financial interests. This group includes millionaires and affluent entrepreneurs who anticipate substantial tax reductions and fewer environmental regulations, showing little regard for broader societal impacts.

In France, the motivations behind the support for National Rally leader Jordan Bardella among voters aged 18 to 25 diverge significantly from those of other far-right constituents. Research indicates that the "TikTok generation" is primarily captivated by Bardella's youthful, charismatic, and personable demeanour, which they perceive as "cool." This burgeoning segment of the electorate is largely indifferent to political issues such as immigration, the economy, or the conflict in Ukraine. Instead, they are drawn to Bardella's alignment with their cultural interests, exemplified by his active presence on social media, where he shares his enthusiasm for popular video games like Call of Duty and Rust. He even engages his followers by promising one-on-one gaming sessions in exchange for their votes.

The younger generation, largely apolitical, perceives "Jordan" more as an influencer than a political figure. These demographics share little with the genuinely racist neo-Nazi and radicalised extremists who also support the French far right.

However, the core electorates of Trump, Meloni, Le Pen, and Bardella are not predominantly from these groups. Research indicates that their supporters are primarily motivated by a sense of being marginalised, often reflecting an objective socio-economic reality. They feel threatened by "the system," betrayed by traditional political parties, particularly those on the left, and scorned by cultural and intellectual elites.

The far-right agenda predominantly appeals to "the little people," whether they are French, American, or Polish. These individuals represent societal segments that endure economic hardship and perceive their traditional lifestyles and conservative values as being eroded by policies implemented by the ruling elite over recent decades. Such policies include the formation of the European Union, the adoption of neoliberal economic models, and the forces of globalization. These are the inhabitants of small towns who have witnessed the decline of their communities, the shuttering of local businesses such as cafes and grocery stores, and the disappearance of essential public services like hospitals, banks, and post offices. Additionally, they are the residents of remote rural areas who depend heavily on their vehicles and have been severely affected by rising energy costs, particularly gasoline prices—a significant issue for Bardella's supporters. This group also encompasses struggling European farmers who have been economically devastated by European quotas and environmental regulations that restrict their production. Furthermore, it includes blue-collar workers who have lost their jobs and industries to de-industrialisation, outsourcing, and relocation, as well as low-wage employees striving to make ends meet.

The core electorate of far-right parties consists of those who have faced or fear socio-economic decline, contrary to the growth promised by their governments. These parties have adeptly exploited widespread economic distress, converting it into "culture wars." They propose that issues can be resolved through cultural and often illusory solutions, such as halting immigration, reinstating traditional family values, and opposing Islam.

In the 1980s, Jean-Marie Le Pen, founder of France's National Front, encapsulated this strategy with his slogan: "One Million Unemployed Frenchmen = One Million Immigrants." This slogan effectively merged economic and cultural fears, which are central to the far-right's appeal. The success of these parties lies in their ability to consolidate the collective suffering, fears, and insecurities of the marginalised and disillusioned classes, for whom the American or European Dream has faded. By scapegoating, they have intensified the pain and sense of loss experienced by these groups, directing their anger towards entities like the European Union and groups blamed for their woes, such as immigrants, foreigners, "globalist" governments, and "arrogant cultural elites." They offer hope through simplistic and misleading solutions, such as being "tough on crime" or ending immigration.

The far-right's growth will persist until other political forces address the escalating socio-economic hardships that have driven large segments of the population towards these parties and their deceptive solutions for decades.