In recent European Union elections, political movements traditionally labeled as “far right” have made significant gains, raising eyebrows across the continent. The term “far right” is increasingly being used as a pejorative in media outlets that are eager to condemn any movement seeking to preserve national identities from the ongoing surge of global progressivism.
This mirrors the rhetoric from leftist politicians and the mainstream media in the USA, who will typically label any independence, populist, nationalist or conservative ideology or movements as “far right” and will use that label in an attempt to link those groups and/or individuals with domestic terrorism or white supremecy.
A quick search for terms like “European elections and far right” reveals a slew of headlines laden with alarmist rhetoric. The Associated Press warns that the “far right rocks European politics,” while the Washington Post discusses how French President Emmanuel Macron is “battered by the far right.” CNN claims the so-called far right is seeking to mask its true intentions to gain wider acceptance. Such descriptors are quickly becoming shorthand for any political force that dares to challenge the prevailing progressive orthodoxy.
The perpetual labeling of these movements with terms like “far right,” “hard right,” and “extreme right” acts less as a genuine critique and more as a lazy smear tactic by left-leaning media and politicians. It’s a broad brush used to paint legitimate political dissent as something nefarious or fringe. Such labels often do little more than signal the writer’s disdain for the targeted group.
Journalistic narratives both in Europe and America seem stuck in an outdated framework, often evoking imagery from the tumultuous periods surrounding World War II. This framing implies a false equivalence between contemporary conservative populism and the fascist threats of the past. While some remnants of past ideologies do linger on the fringes, these do not define the core agendas of most conservative movements today, which remain firmly within the bounds of respectable political discourse.
Take France’s National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, as an example. The party’s actions and policies today contrast sharply with the racist ideologies it has been historically associated with. The primary concern for National Rally supporters is the preservation of French cultural identity in the face of unchecked immigration, particularly from Muslim-majority countries. This is not about xenophobia but about maintaining the cultural fabric that defines their national character. Multiculturalism, often lauded by the left as a strength, is seen by these voters as a source of division and cultural dilution.
Interestingly, National Rally’s platform also includes trade protectionism and government interventionist policies, which are far from the laissez-faire economics typically attributed to the right. These stances align more closely with certain socialist principles, challenging the simplicity of their “far-right” categorization.
Additionally, the party’s controversial stance on foreign policy, such as its flirtations with Vladimir Putin and opposition to military aid for Ukraine, hints more at strategic realpolitik than any coherent ideological adherence to “far-right” principles. It could be argued that these positions reflect a kind of post-communist skepticism rather than sympathy for authoritarianism.
What we witness in Europe—and are increasingly observing in the United States—is an organic backlash against unbridled immigration and the erosion of national borders. Ordinary people are growing weary of the influx of immigrants from countries with poor governance and questionable commitments to liberal democracy and the rule of law. This sentiment is exacerbated by an incessant narrative from the left, which derides Western culture as fundamentally flawed and unjust.
Contrary to these assertions, Western civilization boasts a remarkable heritage of achievements and advancements, one that should inspire pride rather than shame. Traditional citizens in these nations are advocating not for radical change but for the preservation of their way of life. These actions do not make them “far-right” extremists but rather defenders of cultural and national sovereignty.
As voters in Europe and America push back against the sweeping tides of globalization and progressivism, these movements should be understood not through the lens of bygone conflicts, but as contemporary expressions of enduring values and concerns. Their growing influence marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate about the future of national identity in an increasingly interconnected world.
