Far right's global surge Democracy as the defining divide

A recent Financial Times opinion piece discusses the rising influence of far-right politics across various countries, focusing on the changing distinctions between the traditional right and the far right.

In France, the Rassemblement National (RN) aims to rebrand itself as simply "the right," reflecting its leading position in polls and the decline of the traditional right. This rebranding resonates globally, with similar shifts seen in the U.S., Italy, and Britain.

The key distinction between the right and the far right lies in their attitudes toward democracy. Far-right leaders often reject election results and seek to dismantle state institutions. In contrast, parties that push controversial policies within democratic frameworks might not be accurately labeled as far-right. This shift in political norms is captured by the concept of the "Overton window," where previously extreme policies become mainstream.

On issues like immigration, policies once deemed far-right now dominate Western political debates. Leaders like Trump and Le Pen have also influenced views on Russia and Ukraine, blurring lines between new conservatism and authoritarianism. While Trump's actions post-2020 election reveal anti-democratic tendencies, leaders like Meloni and Le Pen have moved towards conventional conservatism, though skepticism remains.

The article concludes that respecting democratic structures is crucial in differentiating conservative politics from far-right authoritarianism. Democratic processes allow voters to reject harmful policies, underscoring the importance of maintaining democratic integrity in political discourse.