The far right

This chapter begins with a terminological discussion, examining ‘radical right’, ‘alt-right’ and ‘far right’. The latter term is adopted and the chapter then proceeds to consider key ideas and concepts constituting the far right in today’s society. The focus is global, although in the Trump era there is the inevitable inclusion of many examples from the United States. Nevertheless, contexts in Europe, Latin America and other parts of the world also get a look in. As for the key issues and concepts discussed, there is first and foremost (white) nativist nationalism and what is known as ‘disaster nationalism’, as well as the kind of authoritarianism mixed with a new libertarianism that is taking hold. There is also a discussion of how far-right politicians and media personalities self-position as anti-establishment and anti-elite, as well as their purported anti-war positions, based, ultimately, in the aforementioned nativist nationalism.