This policy study was is co-authored with Fran Amery, Katy Brown, Emily Kendrick, George Newth, Alex Roman and Alex Yates and commissioned by the Foundation for European Progressive Studies and Eteron.
This policy study addressing the pressing need to develop progressive alternatives to counter the resurgence and mainstreaming of far-right politics. Contrary to common assumptions, it argues that this rise does not find it source in the popularity of the far right itself or in the demands of the people but rather must be located in a top-down process where mainstream elite hold most power. As such, progressive forces have a key role to play to set the agenda, shift it away from reactionary panics and onto grounds more fertile to democracy and justice for all. An uncompromising stance against the far right and its politics is not only morally and politically justified, it makes electoral sense.
The study addresses four key areas. First, it draws attention to the core role played by mainstream elites in ‘mainstreaming’ far-right ideas. Second, it turns towards the claim of many far-right actors that their ideas are simply ‘common sense’, arguing that instead of ceding this territory to the far right, mainstream actors must articulate a progressive vision of common sense. Third, it warns against the hype around ‘populism’ and ‘polarisation’, showing that rather than fearing these two things, progressive actors should instead embrace them. Finally, it argues for the central role played by moral panics in our current reactionary moment. Moral panics do not emanate organically from ‘the people’ but rather are elite-driven, and progressive actors must expose the authoritarian tendencies to which they lead.