Authoritarian nostalgia has emerged as a powerful emotional and ideological tool for populist radical right (PRR) parties, fueling their appeal across diverse sociopolitical contexts. This paper examines how PRR parties evoke memories of authoritarian pasts—whether real or imagined—to construct narratives of national decline and renewal. By framing authoritarian regimes or periods as times of stability, order, and cultural cohesion, PRR actors tap into collective anxieties and discontent, positioning themselves as vehicles for a return to these perceived "golden ages."
The analysis focuses on the mechanisms through which authoritarian nostalgia is mobilized, including historical reinterpretation, symbolic rhetoric, and policy proposals. Case studies from countries such as Hungary, Poland, and Italy reveal how PRR parties selectively invoke authoritarian pasts to justify exclusionary policies, undermine democratic norms, and consolidate political power. For example, Viktor Orbán’s Hungary draws on interwar authoritarian traditions to legitimize its illiberal turn, while Poland’s Law and Justice Party employs historical narratives to bolster nationalism and centralize authority.
The paper also explores how authoritarian nostalgia intersects with populist rhetoric. By juxtaposing an idealized past against a corrupt and dysfunctional present, PRR leaders portray themselves as the only actors capable of restoring national greatness. This narrative often includes the vilification of liberal elites, migrants, and minorities, casting them as threats to the stability and homogeneity associated with the authoritarian past.
Furthermore, the study addresses the emotional resonance of authoritarian nostalgia. By appealing to a sense of loss and longing, PRR parties foster emotional identification with their vision, creating a powerful mobilizing force. The paper analyzes how these emotional appeals are amplified through media, education, and cultural discourse, shaping public perceptions of history and politics.
While authoritarian nostalgia strengthens PRR parties’ appeal, it also poses significant risks to democratic institutions and pluralistic values. By normalizing anti-democratic tendencies and fostering polarization, it undermines the foundations of liberal democracy. This paper concludes by reflecting on the implications of authoritarian nostalgia for contemporary politics and offers strategies to counter its influence, including fostering critical engagement with history and promoting narratives that emphasize democratic resilience.
Through its analysis of authoritarian nostalgia as both a rhetorical and emotional strategy, this paper contributes to the broader understanding of how PRR parties leverage historical narratives to reshape political landscapes and challenge democratic norms.
