MOTIVES, MECHANISMS AND MAP OF FAR-RIGHT RADICALISATION IN EUROPE. MYTHS AND SOCIOLOGICAL CONFIRMATIONS

Abstract

There is a full resurgence of populist, nationalist, right-wing extremist parties at the forefront of European and world politics. These are not mere labels, and the differences between the various approaches within this political family are crucial. We have reviewed the different components of ideologies in the radical right space and the links with populism, conservatism, nationalism, anti-system or anti-elite, globalist, neo-liberalism approaches, including parliamentary representation and democratic governance, making a mirror of radicalization. We have also delved into the causes of the historical emergence and proliferation of these trends, and have looked at sociological studies that reveal the qualitative content and characteristics of the favourite targets of these trends. The study shows that the dominant criteria are technology, algorithms and message amplifiers as well as the lack of responsibility, and frustration that bring these trends to the fore, and not necessarily the obvious quantitative indicators such as investment in and level of education, economic development, or qualitative ones such as indiscriminate access to opinions in the guise of information and lack of critical thinking.