Normalizing Extremism: A New Era for the Far Right?

The recent Global Progress Action Summit in Toronto highlighted the limits of centrism as liberal elites gathered to discuss their strategy in a world dominated by far-right politics. Former US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg noted, “It’s clear that Democrats can’t just treat this as some random anomaly or self-correcting problem.” His words cut to the heart of a growing concern among center-left politicians: the realization that the far right is no longer an aberration, but a persistent and formidable force in global politics.

Evidence mounts from Donald Trump’s election victory in 2016 to the rise of Giorgia Meloni’s neo-fascist party in Italy. The far right has proven itself resilient and adaptable. Liberal elites are shifting their approach from trying to “cure” the far right through economic policies or other means, to accepting it as a normal part of the political landscape.

This shift is not new; it’s been quietly brewing for some time. As the center-left grapples with its own irrelevance and inability to connect with working-class voters, it’s clear that the far right’s appeal cannot be reduced to simple economic anxiety or misinformation. The far right’s base is motivated by a complex mix of cultural, demographic, and ideological concerns.

Research has shown that far-right voters are driven by a sense of existential threat, fueled by perceived changes in their communities, cultures, and societies. This is not a problem that can be solved through policy alone; it requires a deeper understanding of the underlying values and anxieties that drive these voters.

The liberal elite’s new approach, emphasizing “deliverism” – delivering economic success as a means to win over far-right voters – has been proven flawed. Senator Elissa Slotkin noted that the Biden administration’s efforts to stimulate the economy and create jobs ultimately failed to resonate with voters, who were more concerned about rising prices and inflation than economic growth.

Data suggests that the far right’s appeal is not solely driven by economic anxiety but also by a sense of disconnection from the established order. This is why far-right parties continue to thrive across different democracies, despite differing economic circumstances.

Centrism must adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of voters. Rather than trying to “cure” the far right through policy or other means, liberals should focus on building a more inclusive and responsive democracy – one that addresses the complex concerns and anxieties driving far-right voters.

This requires a fundamental shift in how we think about politics and governance. It’s no longer enough to simply offer economic policies or promises of social change; instead, we must engage with the underlying values and concerns that drive people’s voting decisions. This is a daunting task, but it’s one that liberal elites cannot afford to ignore.

As the far right continues to gain traction around the world, it’s clear that old strategies are no longer working. The time has come for a new approach – one that acknowledges the complexity of far-right politics and seeks to build a more inclusive and responsive democracy. Anything less will only perpetuate the status quo, and risk further entrenching extremism in our politics.

Normalizing extremism is not just a problem for liberal elites; it’s a threat to the very fabric of our democracies. As we move forward into this uncertain future, it’s essential to remember that the far right’s influence cannot be ignored or dismissed. The question remains: what will we do about it?