European politicians are more worried about Donald Trump's 'second American Revolution' than actual invasions by him. This movement is gaining traction across Europe and could potentially transform the continent from within.
The seeds of this revolution were sown in 2018, with Steve Bannon playing a key role. However, it has since evolved into a sophisticated partnership between Trump and influential figures such as JD Vance. The US National Security Strategy, published by the White House last year, highlights the growing influence of 'patriotic' European parties that share similar nationalist and anti-establishment views.
These parties are not isolated phenomena but part of a shared intellectual project that is being reinforced by foreign powers. They claim to be radical in their approach, finely tuned to the 21st-century conditions that have led to widespread disillusionment with liberal democracy.
The core of this movement lies in its rejection of liberalism and its perceived failures. It argues that globalisation has exposed national cultures and economies to unrelenting shocks, fueling suspicion about whose interests governments are really serving. This narrative has been articulated by influential figures such as Benedikt Kaiser, who was once accused of moving in neo-Nazi circles but now promotes the AfD's ideology.
The movement has successfully constructed a new electoral coalition around working-class voters, appealing to their concerns over income, security, and social standing. It promises to restore a shared national identity, borders are used as a tool to distinguish 'real' citizens from outsiders, and tariffs are seen as a way to rebuild domestic production and elevate the dignity of work.
The success of this movement also lies in its ability to dominate digital platforms and manipulate public opinion through a fractured media environment. It has forged alliances with technology magnates like Elon Musk and saturated online spaces with its narratives and slogans.
To counter this, European politicians need to acknowledge the new right's critique of liberalism while promoting a project that speaks to working-class concerns using innovative engagement methods. This could involve embracing centrist policies and forming alliances across party lines to defeat the new-right populists.
By doing so, they might be able to turn the new right's strengths into vulnerabilities and reinvent the political centre as the true defenders of national sovereignty.
The seeds of this revolution were sown in 2018, with Steve Bannon playing a key role. However, it has since evolved into a sophisticated partnership between Trump and influential figures such as JD Vance. The US National Security Strategy, published by the White House last year, highlights the growing influence of 'patriotic' European parties that share similar nationalist and anti-establishment views.
These parties are not isolated phenomena but part of a shared intellectual project that is being reinforced by foreign powers. They claim to be radical in their approach, finely tuned to the 21st-century conditions that have led to widespread disillusionment with liberal democracy.
The core of this movement lies in its rejection of liberalism and its perceived failures. It argues that globalisation has exposed national cultures and economies to unrelenting shocks, fueling suspicion about whose interests governments are really serving. This narrative has been articulated by influential figures such as Benedikt Kaiser, who was once accused of moving in neo-Nazi circles but now promotes the AfD's ideology.
The movement has successfully constructed a new electoral coalition around working-class voters, appealing to their concerns over income, security, and social standing. It promises to restore a shared national identity, borders are used as a tool to distinguish 'real' citizens from outsiders, and tariffs are seen as a way to rebuild domestic production and elevate the dignity of work.
The success of this movement also lies in its ability to dominate digital platforms and manipulate public opinion through a fractured media environment. It has forged alliances with technology magnates like Elon Musk and saturated online spaces with its narratives and slogans.
To counter this, European politicians need to acknowledge the new right's critique of liberalism while promoting a project that speaks to working-class concerns using innovative engagement methods. This could involve embracing centrist policies and forming alliances across party lines to defeat the new-right populists.
By doing so, they might be able to turn the new right's strengths into vulnerabilities and reinvent the political centre as the true defenders of national sovereignty.