In September, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán made headlines with a ludicrous announcement: he declared antifa a “terrorist organization.” This absurdity—antifa is not an organization, but rather a loosely connected ideology—hints at a deeper, troubling alliance between Orbán and Donald Trump, who had announced similar enforcement against antifa just a week prior. This development is not merely a coincidence; it represents a concerning pattern of authoritarian leaders finding inspiration in one another amidst a global democratic crisis.
As the United States spirals into democratic decline, experts warn that countries around the world may follow suit, dismantling their own freedoms and democratic structures. The urgency of these concerns cannot be overstated; authoritarianism is taking root globally, with far-right movements rallying around the shared strategies of leaders like Trump and Orbán. The echoes of their policies resonate not just in Hungary, but across Europe, where right-wing parties in Belgium and Austria are mimicking the U.S. hard-right agenda, including draconian immigration policies that resemble the brutal deportations championed by Trump.
The far-right surge is a well-documented phenomenon, and it is critical to understand that America did not create these extremist movements, but it has become their most potent catalyst. Political contagion—the phenomenon of extremist policies spreading from nation to nation—has gained new momentum as the U.S. sets a dangerous precedent. With America’s global influence, the ramifications of such a shift are potentially seismic, threatening the very fabric of democracy worldwide.
Notably, the rise of far-right populism is not a spontaneous uprising but rather a carefully coordinated movement. The leaders of these movements often visit Washington, seeking Trump’s favor and validation. Figures like Beatrix Von Storch from Germany’s ultra-nationalist AfD party are not only engaging with Trump but actively promoting his policies in their own countries. The far-right’s embrace of American symbols, such as MAGA hats and the American flag, reveals their desire to replicate the U.S. model of populism.
Stefanie Walter, a political economy scholar at the University of Zurich, highlights the shifting landscape of political information, exacerbated by social media. Populist nationalists are trapped in echo chambers that amplify the successes of far-right policies, creating a feedback loop that can lead to the rapid adoption of harmful policies in other nations. This phenomenon is particularly alarming given the increased visibility of such extreme ideologies, which gain traction through the media attention they attract.
The spread of these ideas is fueled by “distrust shock,” a phenomenon where political corruption scandals erode public trust, compelling leaders to adopt extreme measures to demonstrate their detachment from the “corrupt elite.” This cycle of distrust can ignite a wave of populist extremism across borders, as countries look to one another for validation of their own radical policies. It is imperative that we recognize this interconnectedness and the danger it poses to democracy.
However, while the rise of far-right populism appears alarming, it is not an inevitability. Researchers like Daiki Kishishita and Atsushi Yamagishi illustrate that the contagion can be halted if leaders prioritize the well-being of their citizens over short-term political gains. By rejecting extreme policies and focusing on what genuinely serves the public interest, there is potential to disrupt the cycle of populist extremism.
The coordination among far-right parties, particularly in Europe, raises critical questions about the nature of their alliances. Orbán’s support for like-minded leaders across the continent exemplifies a concerted effort to fortify authoritarianism globally. His regime’s duplicity is stark; while it aggressively seeks to undermine foreign-funded organizations in Hungary, it simultaneously funds and supports far-right movements in neighboring countries.
This is a clarion call for pro-democracy advocates worldwide. Learning from one another’s successes and failures is crucial in combating the rise of authoritarianism. The experience of Poland, where voters recently ousted an authoritarian government, serves as a powerful reminder that these oppressive policies are not invincible. The path to freedom and equality requires vigilance, solidarity, and the unwavering commitment to human rights.
The threat of far-right populism is real and pervasive, but history shows us that these ideologies can be defeated. As we navigate this turbulent landscape, we must remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice, equality, and democratic principles. The time has come to act, to resist the allure of extremism, and to champion the values that unite us as a global community committed to human dignity and rights.
This article highlights the importance of EXPORT OF EXTREMISM.
