Echoes of Ideology: The Far Right’s Role in Europe’s Cognitive Cold War
The concept of a “cognitive Cold War” in Europe is a metaphorical framework that refers to the ongoing ideological and information conflicts within the continent. This term captures the essence of the struggle to shape public opinion and political outcomes through the dissemination of information, misinformation, and the control of narratives. In this context, the far right plays a pivotal role, often characterized by their nationalist sentiments, skepticism towards globalization, and anti-immigrant rhetoric.
The Rise of the Far Right in Europe
The resurgence of far-right parties across Europe has indeed been a significant trend in recent years. These parties have adeptly capitalized on economic uncertainties, cultural fears, and security concerns to gain support. They have harnessed the power of social media and other digital platforms to disseminate their messages, influence public discourse, and mobilize supporters.
Expanded Context and Recent Developments In France, the far-right has gained momentum amidst national unrest, with leaders like Marine Le Pen benefiting in the polls due to their tough-on-security and anti-immigration stance. Similarly, in Italy, Giorgia Meloni of a party with neo-fascist roots has risen to prominence. The far-right’s ascent is not limited to these countries; it is a phenomenon observed across the continent, from the Nordic countries to the Mediterranean, and from the east to the west of Europe.
Shifting Political Landscapes Old taboos, rooted in Europe’s 20th-century experiences with fascism, are gradually eroding. This shift is evidenced by the increasing willingness of mainstream political parties to form coalitions with far-right groups, a practice once considered unthinkable. For instance, in Austria, the center-right first entered a coalition with the far-right Freedom Party in 2000, leading to diplomatic sanctions from the EU. Now, such coalitions are becoming more commonplace, reflecting a significant change in the political landscape.
Electoral Successes and Influence Far-right parties are not only gaining seats in parliaments but are also increasingly influencing the policies of mainstream right-wing parties to reflect nativist and populist platforms. In some cases, they are occupying ministerial roles in coalition governments, thereby exerting direct influence on national policies.
The Role of Social Media The strategic use of social media by far-right parties has been instrumental in their rise. These platforms allow for the rapid spread of information and the ability to reach a wide audience with minimal cost. The far right has used this to their advantage, crafting narratives that resonate with certain segments of the population who feel left behind by globalization and the perceived threats to national identity.
Narratives and National Identity
Far-right parties often craft narratives that emphasize a homogeneous national identity, positioning it against perceived external threats such as immigrants, international institutions, or other countries. This narrative strategy resonates with individuals seeking simple answers to complex problems or those feeling marginalized by rapid social and economic changes.
Civilizationism and Identity Politics In their battle against globalization and deeper integration of the European Union (EU), far-right parties across Europe often portray themselves as the defenders of Western or European “civilization.” This civilizational identity is used to stigmatize Muslims and immigrants, who are characterized as threats to Europe’s Christian heritage, secular society, and liberal politics. Far-right parties negotiate the boundaries between national and supranational identities through discursive mechanisms that present civilizationism as nonthreatening to and partially constituted by nationalism.
Central and Eastern Europe’s National Identity In Central and Eastern Europe, the narrative has shifted from democratization and Europeanization to nationalism, xenophobia, and illiberalism. The rise of radical right populism and authoritarianism in the region reflects a backlash against what might be labeled European values, such as tolerance, liberal democracy, gender equality, respect for human rights, and the protection of minority rights.
Trans-Atlantic Narrative Journeys Far-right narratives have not only been confined to Europe but have also made trans-Atlantic journeys, influencing discourses in the United States. Analysts have identified ten far-right narratives that have gained traction in recent years, reflecting the global reach of these ideologies.
Anti-Minority Themes Far-right narratives often target minority groups, suggesting that efforts to promote equality for historically marginalized groups like women, ethnic minorities, and LGBTQIA+ people take away valuable resources from native working-class populations. This backlash against “identity politics” is a common theme in far-right success and mainstream political discourse.
Impact on European Politics
The far right’s role in the cognitive conflict is significant because it challenges the post-World War II consensus on European integration and liberal democracy. By advocating for a return to national sovereignty and traditional values, far-right parties have disrupted the political status quo and introduced new dynamics into European politics.
Reshaping the European Union Across Europe, governments are shifting right, with far-right leaders taking power in some places, while more traditional center-right parties are allying with right-wing fringes once considered untouchable. This shift is affecting everything from climate policy to migration, and with the EU set to elect a new European Parliament, the rightward drift could produce a more conservative Brussels for years to come.
The Convergence of Center Right and Far Right There has been a convergence of the center right and the far right over the past decade, which may have profound consequences for the EU. This convergence has been traced back to the surge of refugees fleeing the Syrian civil war for Europe, which has influenced the broader political arc.
The Challenge for Liberal Democracy The influence of the far-right is far more widespread across Europe’s political parties than previously recognized. It is the most successful political trend in Europe today, with clear and growing momentum. Far-right parties have achieved this by espousing straightforward — if ultimately unworkable — solutions to real, concrete problems.
The Future of Europe’s Cognitive Cold War
The outcome of the metaphorical “cognitive Cold War” in Europe will hinge on the capacity of diverse political and social forces to engage citizens, address their concerns, and articulate compelling visions for the continent’s future. While the far right has indeed gained visibility and influence, it is but one of many actors in this multifaceted conflict. The struggle over Europe’s political future is intricate, involving a plethora of actors with differing visions for the continent.
Awareness and Resilience Against Cognitive Warfare In the realm of cognitive warfare, the human mind is the battlefield. The aim is to alter not only what people think but also how they act and behave. When waged successfully, cognitive warfare can shape and influence individual and group beliefs and behaviors to favor an aggressor’s objectives. In its most extreme form, it has the potential to fracture and fragment entire societies.
The Role of NATO and Defense Strategies NATO has recognized the challenges posed by cognitive warfare and is actively working to counter them by promoting awareness and resilience among its member states. The Alliance is adapting to the increasingly widespread use of social media and smart device technologies, which may make member countries particularly vulnerable to such attacks.
The Influence of Disruptive Technologies New and disruptive technologies, such as those related to social media, networking, and mobile devices, are enabling a new domain of conflict. Cognitive warfare integrates cyber, information, psychological, and social engineering capabilities to achieve its ends, targeting influential individuals, specific groups, and large numbers of citizens selectively and serially in a society.
In conclusion, the “cognitive Cold War” in Europe is a battle of ideas and narratives, with the far right playing a crucial role in shaping the discourse. The future of Europe will be significantly influenced by the resolution of this ideological conflict and the direction in which public opinion settles.
