The rise of the radical right in Europe is a product of historical, political and social factors. Themes such as nativism, authoritarianism and populism partly explain why these parties are gaining popularity (Voerman & De Jonge, 2023). But there are broader societal tensions and structural issues that reinforce this rise. These have been described by sociologist Armin Nassehi in his book “Unbehagen” (Discontent; 2021).

 

Ideological foundations and societal tensions

Nativism is an exclusive form of nationalism, which sees migrants, Muslims or other foreign groups as a threat to the homogeneous nation state. This ties in with the unease about cultural diversity, where the visibility of differences in a society leads to feelings of uncertainty and threat.

Right-wing parties emphasize order, authority and severe punishments in response to the sense of chaos that arises from the rapid changes in a functionally differentiated society. This emphasis stems from a need for stability and control within a system that often appears overwhelming and unmanageable. The emphasis on the power of the people versus the elite reflects a broader societal discontent. In complex societies, people often feel that they have no control over decisions that affect them.

 

Modern complexity and the challenges of differentiation

Our society is characterized by functional differentiation in systems such as economics, politics, law, and science. These systems operate independently, which makes coordination and coherence difficult. According to Nassehi, this complexity leads to a sense of overload, in which individuals feel overwhelmed by the many expectations and norms of an abstract culture. In a modern society, implicit social norms and values ​​are becoming increasingly explicit. This is called latency loss. This increased transparency leads to discomfort and polarizing debates, for example on identity politics and migration.

Crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis show how difficult it is to coordinate collective action. They highlight the interdependence of systems and the difficulty of formulating clear solutions.

 

The role of migration and social inclusion

Migration is often the focus of societal tensions. Nassehi points out that in a functionally differentiated society, migrants are often treated in terms of specific roles (e.g. as refugees, workers, or patients) rather than as complete individuals. This limited perspective contributes to exclusion and reinforces nativism.

Modern societies require simultaneous participation in different social systems. However, migrants are often confronted with permanent markers of their migrant status, which complicates integration and reinforces the sense of being different.

 

Social and cultural discontent

Modernity and cultural progress inevitably lead to tensions between individual freedom and social conformity. This contributes to feelings of loss and uncertainty. These feelings are exploited by radical right-wing parties. These parties offer a sense of ‘we’ that plays into the need for social cohesion and stability.

In a society where traditional ties are disappearing, consumption also offers a sense of continuity and stability. This emphasizes the superficial but effective ways in which people shape their identity in a complex world.

 

Critical reflection on the future

The growth of the radical right and the discontent in modern society are closely linked. While nativism and populism play on feelings of loss and uncertainty, broader trends in differentiation, latency loss and cultural tension show how these feelings are developing in an increasingly open and complex society.

To understand and address this growth, we need to acknowledge the structural dynamics of modern societies. Long-term solutions must take into account the tensions between individuality and social cohesion. It is important to promote social inclusion and create common spaces in which different perspectives can come together.

Only by balancing change and tradition, and complexity and order, can we provide an answer to the discontent that fuels the radical right.

 

Sources:

Nassehi, Armin (2021), Unbehagen - Theorie der Überforderten Gesellschaft, Tübingen: C.H. Beck.

Voerman, G., De Jonge, L. (2023), “Vier tinten uiterst rechts? Radicaal-rechtse partijen in vergelijking”, De Hofvijver – Politiek van Den Haag tot Brussel, Jaargang 13, nummer 146, 30 oktober 2023.