POL 373 CONTEMPORARY FAR-RIGHT AND FACIST POLITICS

This course examines the (re)emergence of far-right and fascist movements and parties in a global context, with a focus on far-right politics in Europe and the Americas. What are the ideological premises and historical context in which these movements have been (re)created? How have established far-right and right-wing extremist groups “evolved” in the 21st century to bring in new members? What are the links between violent, far-right extremists and far-right (and right-wing populist) political parties and movements? And why have these groups proven so successful in the last decade as both an electoral force (e.g. The (Northern) League, the Alternative for Germany, the Freedom Party of Austria etc.) and as extra-institutional actors that have begun to shape and influence mainstream political discourse? By relying on academic studies, popular media accounts, and short documentaries, this class will introduce students to one of most urgent political and security crises of the present: the return of the far-right as a major political force in the developed world