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In contemporary society, the rise of right-wing extremism and authoritarian personalities has become a significant concern. This article explores the various factors contributing to this phenomenon, drawing on both historical and contemporary research.
Psychological Factors
Research suggests that narcissism and psychopathy, part of the "dark triad," are associated with political extremism, including right-wing extremism. These traits can contribute to behaviors that support authoritarian and extremist ideologies [3].
Early studies, such as Wilhelm Reich's The Mass Psychology of Fascism, posited that sexual repression played a role in fascist support. While this theory is outdated, it highlights historical attempts to explain extremist behavior through psychological factors [5].
Sociological Factors
The theory of social breakdown suggests that social disintegration and disorder can lead people to seek authoritarian solutions. Far-right ideologies often exploit these feelings of instability [5].
The theory of relative deprivation posits that individuals who feel they are being deprived of what they believe is rightfully theirs may turn to extremist groups as a means of addressing these perceived injustices [5].
The modernization losers thesis argues that those who feel left behind by modernization, such as technological or societal changes, may seek refuge in far-right ideologies that promise a return to past values [5].
The ethnic competition thesis suggests that the perception of ethnic or cultural competition can drive individuals to support far-right parties that emphasize national identity and protection against perceived threats from immigrant groups [5].
The reverse post-material thesis argues that some voters reject progressive values (e.g., feminism, environmentalism) and instead support far-right parties that emphasize traditional values like family and national identity [5].
Contemporary Developments
Contemporary far-right extremism often includes narratives that are anti-establishment, viewing institutions like the state, media, or scientific community as threats. This can create fertile ground for lone-actor violence and ideological radicalization [1].
The issue of immigration has become a dominant theme for many far-right parties. This focus on national identity and the perceived threat of immigration can significantly influence support for these ideologies [5].
The rise of authoritarian populist leaders can also contribute to the growth of right-wing extremism. These leaders often exploit feelings of discontent and mistrust in institutions to promote authoritarian solutions [4].
Additional Factors
Language shifts, hardening dynamics, and the conjuring up of enemy machinations fuel anger, resentment, and legitimize resistance. Markus Brunner's study, "The Social Psychology of the Authoritarian," describes the mass dynamics and feedback loop that form the consolidated authoritarian personality [2].
In mass hysteria, right-wing supporters reinforce each other, strengthening their authoritarian needs. Individuals in front of their smartphones are driven into a kind of collectively isolated, irresponsibility of the mass, social contagion, and free drive satisfaction by constantly bombarding them with resentment triggers [6].
Optimism is considered a progressive virtue, essential for achieving anything, while lethargic complainers are seen as stagnant. The rise of social media and hate portals contributes to the creation of a climate that encourages the spread of authoritarianism and radicalization [7].
This collective behavior was once known from pogroms [8]. The new fascism is considered a sociopsychological phenomenon, a mass hysteria that can lead to a political climate catastrophe [9].
Cruel actions are performed publicly, such as Donald Trump's human cages and internment camps [10]. Leo Löwenthal, a social researcher, characterized fascist and populist agitation as "turning psychoanalysis on its head," stoking anger and bitterness [11].
The societal disintegration process solidifies the image of a civilization in decline. Fascism becomes proof of what it claims, and the radicalized themselves are the disturbance of public order they denounce [12].
The new fascism is believed to instill a struggle of all against all in people, brutalizing them. The societal disintegration process solidifies the image of a civilization in decline. Fascism becomes proof of what it claims, and the radicalized themselves are the disturbance of public order they denounce [13].
The individual in question is optimistic and joyful by nature, yet the current climate has caused a gloomy sentiment, similar to "Dr. Doom." People who fall into the agitators' trap develop tunnel vision and are re-educated, becoming ready for atrocities [14].
A medial ecosystem has been created through social media and hate portals, stirring up the herd instinct and social drives of a collective soul [15].
The rise of social media and hate portals contributes to the creation of a climate that encourages the spread of authoritarianism and radicalization. Today's authoritarian individual is more narcissistic and self-centered, with the "spinner" and the "authoritarian rebel" dominating [16].
The rise of new fascists and their crude language, as well as the paranoid tone of political discourses, is causing concern. The societal disintegration process solidifies the image of a civilization in decline. Fascism becomes proof of what it claims, and the radicalized themselves are the disturbance of public order they denounce [17].
- Narcissism and psychopathy, part of the "dark triad," are associated with political extremism, including right-wing extremism.
- Contemporary far-right extremism often includes narratives that are anti-establishment, viewing institutions as threats, creating fertile ground for lone-actor violence and ideological radicalization.
- The rise of social media and hate portals contributes to the creation of a climate that encourages the spread of authoritarianism and radicalization.
- The modernization losers thesis argues that those who feel left behind by modernization may seek refuge in far-right ideologies that promise a return to past values.
- The issue of immigration has become a dominant theme for many far-right parties, significantly influencing support for these ideologies.
- The rise of authoritarian populist leaders can also contribute to the growth of right-wing extremism, exploiting feelings of discontent and mistrust in institutions to promote authoritarian solutions. Additionally, optimism is considered a progressive virtue, while the rise of social media and hate portals contributes to a climate that encourages the spread of authoritarianism, cultivating a narcissistic and self-centered authoritarian individual.
