The Rise of the Far-Right in Europe
+2
GF
Admin
6 posters
:: General :: International Affairs :: Europe
Page 1 of 1
The Rise of the Far-Right in Europe
by Admin Wed May 16, 2012 10:22 am
Most analysis and commentary surrounding the rise of the far-right in vulnerable European states has been grossly inadequate. The recent electoral victories of parties such as 'Golden Dawn' should send a resounding message to the vast majority of contemporary leftist political groups—who have clearly failed to adequately address the proletariat's anxieties over such issues as immigration—but will likely fail to make the necessary impression upon them.
The overall success of the fascist enterprise has always been rooted in exploiting the negative sentiments generated by the dynamics of ethnocultural pluralism, globalism, etc. as well as some of the economic inequities inherent to capitalism. Of course, fascists address such issues in a ridiculously disingenuous manner, that often outright obscures the true essence of the problem — choosing instead to opportunistically place the blame on number of convenient scapegoats (which in turn serves to justify the jingoistic and reactionary tendencies of their movements).
The contemporary left's refusal to treat ethnocultural pluralism as anything more than some self-evident symbiosis—warranting no critical analysis or serious justification—is again presenting its enemies with an acute advantage. What sort of outcome is everyone here anticipating? Will a combination of a nascent class consciousness, historical hindsight, and ambivalence amongst a decisive portion of the bourgeoisie and petite bourgeoisie be enough to prevent the far-right from securing a democratic mandate? Will the dysfunctional political left, with its many debilitating qualities, somehow be able to sustain an advantage over the far-right in the years to come?
For my own part, I can say that I maintain absolutely no confidence in the majority of contemporary leftist political movements. If socialism is to be realized at any political level, it will not be the result of success within the bourgeois democratic establishment. I doubt that fascism proper will constitute anything more than a destabilizing nuisance in certain failed capitalist states. However, I do fear that fascistic principles will eventually begin to gain serious traction in the minds of a plurality of proletarians if the majority of the left continues down its current trajectory. I also feel that the bourgeois establishment may eventually either dispense with the very pretense of democracy or will come to terms with some irrational reactionary force that is able to initially maintain some form of democratic legitimacy. Both instances will likely lead to the destruction of whatever meaningful institutions the left has been able to establish.
The overall success of the fascist enterprise has always been rooted in exploiting the negative sentiments generated by the dynamics of ethnocultural pluralism, globalism, etc. as well as some of the economic inequities inherent to capitalism. Of course, fascists address such issues in a ridiculously disingenuous manner, that often outright obscures the true essence of the problem — choosing instead to opportunistically place the blame on number of convenient scapegoats (which in turn serves to justify the jingoistic and reactionary tendencies of their movements).
The contemporary left's refusal to treat ethnocultural pluralism as anything more than some self-evident symbiosis—warranting no critical analysis or serious justification—is again presenting its enemies with an acute advantage. What sort of outcome is everyone here anticipating? Will a combination of a nascent class consciousness, historical hindsight, and ambivalence amongst a decisive portion of the bourgeoisie and petite bourgeoisie be enough to prevent the far-right from securing a democratic mandate? Will the dysfunctional political left, with its many debilitating qualities, somehow be able to sustain an advantage over the far-right in the years to come?
For my own part, I can say that I maintain absolutely no confidence in the majority of contemporary leftist political movements. If socialism is to be realized at any political level, it will not be the result of success within the bourgeois democratic establishment. I doubt that fascism proper will constitute anything more than a destabilizing nuisance in certain failed capitalist states. However, I do fear that fascistic principles will eventually begin to gain serious traction in the minds of a plurality of proletarians if the majority of the left continues down its current trajectory. I also feel that the bourgeois establishment may eventually either dispense with the very pretense of democracy or will come to terms with some irrational reactionary force that is able to initially maintain some form of democratic legitimacy. Both instances will likely lead to the destruction of whatever meaningful institutions the left has been able to establish.
Last edited by Admin on Wed May 16, 2012 5:25 pm; edited 2 times in total
Admin- _____________________________
- Tendency : Revolutionary Syndicalist
Posts : 971
Reputation : 864
Join date : 2011-04-01
Location : La Florida -
Admin- _____________________________
- Tendency : Revolutionary Syndicalist
Posts : 971
Reputation : 864
Join date : 2011-04-01
Location : La Florida -
Re: The Rise of the Far-Right in Europe
by GF Wed May 16, 2012 5:08 pm
Your analysis is spot-on Admin. If there's anything that's extremely important for socialists to realize, it's that fascism isn't some problem that died out after Hitler. Fascism is still an ideology that can attract and take advantage of the people of a nation when they're beset by troubles the left cannot address.
GF- _________________________
- Tendency : Socialist
Posts : 375
Reputation : 191
Join date : 2011-04-01
Age : 27
Location : FL
Re: The Rise of the Far-Right in Europe
by Balkan Beast Wed May 16, 2012 7:02 pm
Golden dawn is just one of many, these movements easily arise in conditions like those that Greece currently faces.
My only problem with the media coverage is that it's just blind hatred just like the Golden Dawn members.
Simply calling them neo-nazis doesn't change anything, actually targeting the exact reasons why they are counter-revolutionary, and not a viable solution to Greece's problems is what must be done.
I must admit though I do like their symbol, it is hilarious to me that the media constantly references it to the swastika rather than simply referring to what it is, a Meander. Kind of makes sense for a nationalist movement to choose a Greek symbol.
I also believe though that Reactionary movements will continue to gain more influence throughout Europe since many of the leftist political groups are in opposition to the principles of nationalists. The rise of far right movements should also trigger increased numbers on the far left I believe, but that is purely speculation. If not I have no doubt at least one country will eventually come under the control of one of these movements it is just a matter of time whether it is 5 years or 20.
Other than that, I do admire their pride in militancy, and their nation's heritage. If the same devotion could be found among the left we wouldn't have as many problems. Plus they have a few good fight videos against anarchist pussies
edit: my admiration is for the members themselves, the politicians who lead the party are trying to make themselves seem more appealing to moderates.
My only problem with the media coverage is that it's just blind hatred just like the Golden Dawn members.
Simply calling them neo-nazis doesn't change anything, actually targeting the exact reasons why they are counter-revolutionary, and not a viable solution to Greece's problems is what must be done.
I must admit though I do like their symbol, it is hilarious to me that the media constantly references it to the swastika rather than simply referring to what it is, a Meander. Kind of makes sense for a nationalist movement to choose a Greek symbol.
I also believe though that Reactionary movements will continue to gain more influence throughout Europe since many of the leftist political groups are in opposition to the principles of nationalists. The rise of far right movements should also trigger increased numbers on the far left I believe, but that is purely speculation. If not I have no doubt at least one country will eventually come under the control of one of these movements it is just a matter of time whether it is 5 years or 20.
Other than that, I do admire their pride in militancy, and their nation's heritage. If the same devotion could be found among the left we wouldn't have as many problems. Plus they have a few good fight videos against anarchist pussies
edit: my admiration is for the members themselves, the politicians who lead the party are trying to make themselves seem more appealing to moderates.
Balkan Beast- _________________________
- Tendency : Non-Aligned
Posts : 108
Reputation : 40
Join date : 2011-12-20
Re: The Rise of the Far-Right in Europe
by Admin Fri May 18, 2012 2:41 pm
Balkan Beast wrote:Golden dawn is just one of many, these movements easily arise in conditions like those that Greece currently faces.
My only problem with the media coverage is that it's just blind hatred just like the Golden Dawn members.
The negative bias in corporate media coverage of (at least ostensibly) anti-establishment political movements is a simple reflection of the interests of capital. Additional methods utilized against neo-fascist movements are either irrelevant or counterproductive — even from the current standpoint of bourgeois self-interest.
Simply calling them neo-nazis doesn't change anything, actually targeting the exact reasons why they are counter-revolutionary, and not a viable solution to Greece's problems is what must be done.
I agree that it is necessary to educate the people as to the exact reasons why parties like Golden Dawn are not in the national interest. However, we must establish that referring to Golden Dawn as a neo-fascist movement is not hyperbolic; it's accurate.
I must admit though I do like their symbol, it is hilarious to me that the media constantly references it to the swastika rather than simply referring to what it is, a Meander. Kind of makes sense for a nationalist movement to choose a Greek symbol.
It should be obvious to anyone that the reason why the meander was selected as the party's official symbol was because of its similarity to the swastika. Its specific design, size, and central placement on the party's banner was clearly intended to make that sort of impression. It's silly to attempt to dismiss Golden Dawn's iconography, utilization of the Roman/fascist salute, etc. as nothing more than innocent cases of unintended similarities or coincidences.
I also believe though that Reactionary movements will continue to gain more influence throughout Europe since many of the leftist political groups are in opposition to the principles of nationalists.
I agree.
Other than that, I do admire their pride in militancy, and their nation's heritage.
Those are superficial qualities that are accompanied by a vacuous philosophical foundation—inexcusable for a movement that prides itself on its Greek heritage—and a program directed against proletarian emancipation and social justice.
If the same devotion could be found among the left we wouldn't have as many problems.
The left has no need for fascist jingoism. What is essential for the left is to develop a position on the national question—that adheres to the sort of framework of left-wing nationalism that this forum advocates—that can be counterposed to the chauvinism and racism of the far-right.
Plus they have a few good fight videos against anarchist pussies
This is no place for mindless bravado. edit: my admiration is for the members themselves, the politicians who lead the party are trying to make themselves seem more appealing to moderates.
Fascist politicians making overtures to moderates. I wonder where we've seen this before...
Admin- _____________________________
- Tendency : Revolutionary Syndicalist
Posts : 971
Reputation : 864
Join date : 2011-04-01
Location : La Florida -
Re: The Rise of the Far-Right in Europe
by Pantheon Rising Fri May 18, 2012 11:05 pm
The symbol is an important part of Greek history. Nevertheless it is a shame it is being used by reactionary forces, no doubt who will bring it a bad name. Reminds me of another symbol. Hmm.
Pantheon Rising- _________________________
- Tendency : Marx minus Feurbach
Posts : 541
Reputation : 223
Join date : 2011-07-10
Location : PA
Re: The Rise of the Far-Right in Europe
by Balkan Beast Sat May 19, 2012 1:04 pm
Admin wrote:The negative bias in corporate media coverage of (at least ostensibly) anti-establishment political movements is a simple reflection of the interests of capital. Additional methods utilized against neo-fascist movements are either irrelevant or counterproductive — even from the current standpoint of bourgeois self-interest.
True.
I agree that it is necessary to educate the people as to the exact reasons why parties like Golden Dawn are not in the national interest. However, we must establish that referring to Golden Dawn as a neo-fascist movement is not hyperbolic; it's accurate.
I don't deny that it is a neo-fascist movement, however the only coverage on them purely focuses on racism, the obvious reason for targeting the group is the same reason for targeting its counterparts on the extreme left. Which is that the group is in opposition to following the EU's every whim, which if they don't do they lose their funding and are plunged into a even worse debt.
It should be obvious to anyone that the reason why the meander was selected as the party's official symbol was because of its similarity to the swastika. Its specific design, size, and central placement on the party's banner was clearly intended to make that sort of impression. It's silly to attempt to dismiss Golden Dawn's iconography, utilization of the Roman/fascist salute, etc. as nothing more than innocent cases of unintended similarities or coincidences.
That symbol is an important symbol of Greek history, although they have many to choose from. Some are good enough that other countries decide to take them on as their own like this certain Bulgarian nation I know
How else could the meander be used? Honestly the only other way I can think of it being displayed is as a border, but designing flags is something I am horrible at so maybe I'm wrong. The group's use of the roman salute and other activities that are reminiscent of fascist movements throughout Europe in the 20th century have nothing to do with this symbol. It shouldn't be ruined like the swastika just because reactionaries decide to use it.
Those are superficial qualities that are accompanied by a vacuous philosophical foundation—inexcusable for a movement that prides itself on its Greek heritage—and a program directed against proletarian emancipation and social justice.
The left has no need for fascist jingoism. What is essential for the left is to develop a position on the national question—that adheres to the sort of framework of left-wing nationalism that this forum advocates—that can be counterposed to the chauvinism and racism of the far-right.
This I cannot agree with. Fascist Jingoism is not what I said nor implied, I speak of devotion, and loyalty to the cause. A willingness to fight for our goal of a truly socialist nation which is inherently lacking on the left in general(well except for those groups that just jump fascists... My reason for calling them out
). But I am of the opinion that armed struggle is necessary to achieve this goal, thus why I feel that the qualities of Loyalty, and dedication should be highly valued rather than just attracting internet "revolutionaries".We should learn from this group as we should from all movements that have achieved some measure of success.
Balkan Beast- _________________________
- Tendency : Non-Aligned
Posts : 108
Reputation : 40
Join date : 2011-12-20
Re: The Rise of the Far-Right in Europe
by Confusion Sat Jun 02, 2012 8:52 am
I am all "butthurt" about the way the far-right is degenerating, and I think I will continue to hate them forever.
That idiot from "the golden dawn" in Greece wasted his prime-time on television to talk about holocaust denial, a weird historic theory that does not matter to the Greek people in their current situation. (Actually, Greece had the only fascist leader in the world that stood up against Hitler. No respect for history there. Why should a Greek nationalist bother to defend Hitler?)
And now one of the main forum admins on that dreadful "iron-slut" place has started indulging into those same stupid revisionist theories.
So the far-right is collapsing, and for those who have never been believers, it might be worth some celebration.
The future will be fascism-free, it is going to be a walkover. It it probably a good thing, but Im a bit sad though. I feel humiliated by the way they humiliate them selves
I will get over it eventually.
That idiot from "the golden dawn" in Greece wasted his prime-time on television to talk about holocaust denial, a weird historic theory that does not matter to the Greek people in their current situation. (Actually, Greece had the only fascist leader in the world that stood up against Hitler. No respect for history there. Why should a Greek nationalist bother to defend Hitler?)
And now one of the main forum admins on that dreadful "iron-slut" place has started indulging into those same stupid revisionist theories.
So the far-right is collapsing, and for those who have never been believers, it might be worth some celebration.
The future will be fascism-free, it is going to be a walkover. It it probably a good thing, but Im a bit sad though. I feel humiliated by the way they humiliate them selves
I will get over it eventually.
Last edited by Confusion on Sat Jun 02, 2012 9:07 am; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : Added video)
Confusion- ___________________________
- Tendency : Vague, anti-liberal leftism
Posts : 73
Reputation : 50
Join date : 2012-05-13
Age : 41
Location : Europe
Re: The Rise of the Far-Right in Europe
by Balkan Beast Mon Jun 04, 2012 7:58 pm
Confusion wrote:I am all "butthurt" about the way the far-right is degenerating, and I think I will continue to hate them forever.
That idiot from "the golden dawn" in Greece wasted his prime-time on television to talk about holocaust denial, a weird historic theory that does not matter to the Greek people in their current situation. (Actually, Greece had the only fascist leader in the world that stood up against Hitler. No respect for history there. Why should a Greek nationalist bother to defend Hitler?)
And now one of the main forum admins on that dreadful "iron-slut" place has started indulging into those same stupid revisionist theories.
So the far-right is collapsing, and for those who have never been believers, it might be worth some celebration.
The future will be fascism-free, it is going to be a walkover. It it probably a good thing, but Im a bit sad though. I feel humiliated by the way they humiliate them selves
I will get over it eventually.
Their opinion on the holocaust is something which the media has commented on in the past, so that is why I assume he brought it up(I would assume though that Golden Dawn was the first to reveal their stance on the Holocaust, not news networks just saying accusations).
Will the future be free of fascism though? I seriously doubt this. As long as situations occur that bring nations to their knees, the ultranationalist right will continue to exist. Golden Dawn has enough support among the police, and the military that I doubt that they'll crumble anytime soon. The only way I see them gaining total supremacy over greek politics though would be through a coupe, but this would just develop into a Junta since the military & police would be spearheading such a thing.
Balkan Beast- _________________________
- Tendency : Non-Aligned
Posts : 108
Reputation : 40
Join date : 2011-12-20
Re: The Rise of the Far-Right in Europe
by Celtiberian Tue Jun 05, 2012 5:27 am
Balkan Beast wrote:Will the future be free of fascism though? I seriously doubt this. As long as situations occur that bring nations to their knees, the ultranationalist right will continue to exist.
As long as the Left fails to provide an alternative to the fascists which isn't tainted with cosmopolitanism, the fascists will find a niche among the electorate—though there will probably always be an insignificant minority of the population (e.g., genocidal maniacs, sadomasochists, and militarists) attracted to fascism.
Golden Dawn has enough support among the police, and the military
Do you have any evidence verifying this?
Celtiberian- ________________________
- Tendency : Revolutionary Syndicalist
Posts : 1523
Reputation : 1615
Join date : 2011-04-04
Age : 37
Location : Florida -
Re: The Rise of the Far-Right in Europe
by Balkan Beast Tue Jun 05, 2012 5:53 am
As long as the Left fails to provide an alternative to the fascists which isn't tainted with cosmopolitanism, the fascists will find a niche among the electorate—though there will probably always be an insignificant minority of the population (e.g., genocidal maniacs, sadomasochists, and militarists) attracted to fascism.
Agreed, this has yet to happen though and is unlikely to change for a rather long time.
So until such movements begin to arise worldwide in massive numbers in their respective nations, the far right will continue to exist. To say that they'll just wither away and disappear forever is just naive. In fact I believe that they'd probably persist even in a Socialist society, but in insignificant numbers(Unless the conditions that fuel these movements topple said country).
Do you have any evidence verifying this?
The last election?
http://ansamed.ansa.it/ansamed/en/news/sections/politics/2012/05/11/Greece-than-half-police-officers-voted-Neonazi-party_6854190.html
It has been well known for quite some time that Golden Dawn has had a good amount of the Greek Police counted among their supporters, I take back the statement that the military has a significant amount of supporters as well, that I cannot prove. I have no doubt that there are supporters within the military though, exact numbers though I cannot state.
I'll ask my friend in Greece about this.
Balkan Beast- _________________________
- Tendency : Non-Aligned
Posts : 108
Reputation : 40
Join date : 2011-12-20
Re: The Rise of the Far-Right in Europe
by Admin Tue Jun 05, 2012 7:10 am
Celtiberian wrote:Do you have any evidence verifying this?
I recall reading that nearly half of the metropolitan police in Athens voted for the fascists. I am not sure what those figures looked like elsewhere in the country though.
One can largely rely on those involved in the security services to gravitate towards political movements that fetishize the chain of command, so to speak.
Admin- _____________________________
- Tendency : Revolutionary Syndicalist
Posts : 971
Reputation : 864
Join date : 2011-04-01
Location : La Florida -
Re: The Rise of the Far-Right in Europe
by GF Thu Jun 07, 2012 2:49 pm
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303665904577452421655018802.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
I hope no one found this surprising.
GF- _________________________
- Tendency : Socialist
Posts : 375
Reputation : 191
Join date : 2011-04-01
Age : 27
Location : FL
Re: The Rise of the Far-Right in Europe
by Admin Thu Jun 07, 2012 8:02 pm
Godfaesten wrote:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303665904577452421655018802.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
I hope no one found this surprising.
Admin- _____________________________
- Tendency : Revolutionary Syndicalist
Posts : 971
Reputation : 864
Join date : 2011-04-01
Location : La Florida -
Similar topics» The rise of the European Right
» Austerity policies in Europe
» UK 'Is Worst Place To Live In Europe'
» East Europe worker influx a boon for Far Right
» Physalia, A Huge Amphibious Garden Cleaning Waters Across Europe.
» Austerity policies in Europe
» UK 'Is Worst Place To Live In Europe'
» East Europe worker influx a boon for Far Right
» Physalia, A Huge Amphibious Garden Cleaning Waters Across Europe.
:: General :: International Affairs :: Europe
Page 1 of 1
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum