Mixing and Matching, Blurring and Emulating? Theories and Methodologies to Explore Radical Right Politics beyond the Electoral Arena

Abstract

Despite increasing attention to extreme right-wing parties, we still know little about extra-parliamentary groups of the radical right. Instead, the extreme-right is an heterogeneous family, with actors differing in terms of internal structures, ideological framework, public discourse and strategies of action. Nonpartisan groups may be inspired by classic neonazi or neofascist ideologies, but they often also refer to ‘blurred’ symbolic repertoires, mixing traditional references with rather unusual ones. Although the ‘groupuscular’ right is rarely successful in electoral terms, it mobilizes in multiple ways, apparently taking inspiration from the action repertoires of left-wing movements, and obtaining visibility thanks to showcase protests, a media-oriented public discourse, and the strategic use of violence. The panel explores the discourse and practices of different types of radical right organizations. What are the issues that nonpartisan radical right organizations bring forward? To what extent have these groups been inspired by the symbolic repertoires of other political organizations? How do they differ from more institutionalized right-wing actors and what are the patterns of interaction between the two? In addition, since groupuscular actors do not consider elections their primary arena for contention, the panel looks at how they mobilize in terms of conventional and non-conventional strategies. What explains the preference for specific repertories of action? Do electoral opportunity structures matter for shaping mobilization strategies? Finally, the panel investigates what strategies are (or have been) most successful. Previous research focused on the ‘contagion’ effect of extremist and populist parties on mainstream actors, most notably in terms of electoral agenda setting. What about agenda setting beyond elections? What is the effect of different action repertoires on media coverage and on the construction of public problems? We will consider proposals dealing with extreme-right parties and movements built on quantitative, qualitative and mixed approaches. Comparative contributions and case studies are welcome.

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