Vassilis Pavlopoulos1
Journal of Social Research & Policy, Volume: 9, Issue: 2 , pp. 43-57 Date: December 2018 ISSN: 2067-2640 (print), 2068-9861 (electronic) Abstract: This paper adopts a social psychological perspective to review individual and socio-political factors accounting for the
resurgence of the far right in Europe, in light of the economic crisis. The paper addresses three main questions in relation
to this review. First, what psychological processes translate unfavorable contextual attributes into perceptions of
uncertainty, threat and ruthless competition that may trigger ideological attitudes, behaviors, and policies relevant to
the far right? Second, what strategies do far-right leaders implement in order to counter accusations of fascism and
racism? And third, what is the role of the mainstream political system and the media with regard to the legitimization of
right-wing extremism and populism? The paper draws upon examples from different member countries of the European
Union, with an emphasis on Greece. It is concluded that European citizens should remain vigilant towards the far right,
though avoiding oversimplifications and emotionally driven reactions that would allow corrupt, opportunistic leaders to
amass political power by exploiting generalized fear against the far right. Keywords: Far right, politics, economics, social psychological perspective, Europe. |
1 Postal Address: Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy (office 504), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens,
Zografos University Campus, 15784 Athens, Greece. E-mail Address: vpavlop@psych.uoa.gr