Fifteenth Global Studies Conference

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to suggest that the rise of the far-right in the contemporary politics of established Western democracies (specifically Western Europe and the US) is not at all reminiscent of the occidental ideology of early twentieth century fascism. On the contrary, it will be argued that while the West’s far-right parties build much of their strength on the same prejudices and fears that were exploited by their predecessors, they have adapted themselves ingeniously to the 21st century and the cause of global capitalism. In fact, the new European Right, like the new American Right, utilizes first and foremost the rhetoric of freedom in pursuit of its goals. While long considered the ideological utopia of modern Liberal Democratic states, the promise of ‘freedom’ has historically also proven to be the most useful weapon of corporate, capitalist exploitation. It is ‘freedom’ then that has facilitated the evolution of far-right right parties as key players in the defense and re-entrenchment of a Neo-Liberal World Order under threat.

Presenters

Rachel Cremona
Associate Professor of Political Science and International Studies, Associate Director, Honors Program, Humanities, Flagler College, United States