What Do We Mean by Far-Right? Conceptual and Empirical Insights from Europe and Latin America

In this article, we put to question the conceptual foundations of the far right by challenging the dominant frameworks that rely heavily on the traditional left–right ideological spectrum, particularly Mudde’s (based on Bobbio) emphasis on equality as the defining axis. Arguing that such approaches are insufficient, we propose an alternative framework grounded in empirical research across Europe and Latin America. It identifies three core elements that consistently characterise far-right movements across borders: an exclusionary conception of the state rooted in ethnic or cultural homogeneity; a rejection of challenges to the heterosexual, patriarchal model of the family; and a pronounced authoritarian orientation that favours order and hierarchy over pluralism and dissent. By decentring Eurocentric theoretical assumptions and incorporating insights from Latin American cases, we call for a rethinking of how scholars and practitioners conceptualise the far right, urging a shift away from explanations based solely on topics such as immigration or religion.