Europe Struggles to Counter Rising Far-Right Violence

Recent demonstrations in Dublin, fueled by social media, highlight a recurring issue across Europe: the rise of right-wing mobs targeting migrants and refugees. While Irish authorities appeared to respond more effectively than in previous incidents, the underlying problem remains – Europe is not doing enough to combat the far right, a threat to millions.

The Far Right Threat and Technological Platforms

European governments risk becoming pawns in the far-right’s destabilization project, partly due to a reluctance to act and a reliance on American tech platforms as an excuse. The European Commission’s recent “democracy shield” communication vaguely addresses “rising extremism and polarization” without explicitly naming white supremacy and racism. Social media platforms bear responsibility for inciting violence, and content moderation should not be overlooked. Progressives often misinterpret far-right behaviors as accidental, failing to recognize the interconnectedness of online narratives and physical violence.

Police Preparedness and Recent Incidents

Beyond social media’s influence, inadequate police preparation has contributed to recent far-right incidents. In Spain and the UK, security forces seemed less prepared than in Ireland. Spanish authorities faced unrest in Torre Pacheco, while British counterparts in Liverpool were passive when pelted with masonry, and in Rotherham, police retreated while hooligans attacked them. Labor unions in Spain cited a lack of equipment and staffing for the Guardia Civil’s struggles. Reviews in Ireland and the UK similarly concluded that police were underprepared.

A Need for a Comprehensive Strategy

Activists and academics argue that a broader framework is needed to combat the far right, coordinating tactics for maximum effect. This requires acknowledging failures within the security state, including misogyny, homophobia, and white supremacism.

Breaking Free of the Neocon Model

Historically, intellectuals grasped the distinction between fascist mobs and other forms of street violence, linking right-wing rhetoric and violence. The “War on Terror” after 2001 shaped bureaucratic thinking, equating “neo-Nazi supremacists,” “radical leftists,” and “ethno-religious nationalists” without causal basis. Initiatives like Google Ideas’ “Against Violent Extremism” (AVE) perpetuated this flawed framework, even acknowledging its imprecision. Liz Fekete warned against this “myopia of anti-extremism” over a decade ago, highlighting the cultural revolution of the right.

Revaluation of Our Understanding of Mobs

Unlike today, earlier European intellectuals understood the nature of fascist mobs, recognizing them as driven by tribal nationalism and antisemitism. Sociologist Max Horkheimer and Theodor Adorno’s observations on crowds and propaganda machines remain relevant. David Roberts, building on Canetti’s work, described mobs as driven by a biological urge to consume, drawing a parallel to Goya’s “Saturn Devouring His Son.”

A Potential New Framework

Police forces have historically served as shock troops against marginalized groups, and security forces have been infiltrated by far-right elements. Numerous proposals exist for progressive police reform, but political will has been lacking. Models like the “Partnerschaft für Demokratie” program in Germany offer potential for community and official collaboration.

The Importance of Anti-Fascism

A clear, official strategy focused on anti-fascism is needed, as the concept is notably absent from the EU’s foundational treaty despite the far right’s significant historical presence in Europe. This requires a renewed intellectual foundation and a commitment to addressing the root causes of far-right ideology.