The Transnational Far Right – Hate, Vigilantism, and the Mainstreaming of Extremism

About this episode

This episode discusses the transnational activities of far-right and anti-migrant groups with Wendy Via, highlighting the mainstreaming of extremist ideas.

**In this episode of the Explaining History Podcast, we are joined by Wendy Via of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism – a former Southern Poverty Law Center staffer – to discuss a new report on the transnational activities of far-right and anti-migrant groups around the world.** We often think of hate and xenophobia as local phenomena, but just like organised violence, the far‑right has become increasingly internationalised. The internet, political crises, and economic uncertainty have allowed extremist groups to learn from one another, share strategies, and normalise ideas that were once relegated to the fringes. Wendy explains how the movement has become more sophisticated in its branding. Neo‑Nazis still exist, but they no longer openly quote *Mein Kampf*. Instead, they speak of "protecting our culture" and "saving our families". The "great replacement" conspiracy theory – once confined to obscure writers – is now pushed by politicians and mainstream commentators, giving cover to unspoken reactionary ideas. We explore the alarming mainstreaming of far‑right politics. In Britain, the Conservative Party has moved from ostracising Enoch Powell to rehabilitating his…

People in this episode

Host: Nick Shepley

Guest: Wendy Via

Topics covered

• far-right extremism
• transnational hate groups
• xenophobia
• political branding
• mainstreaming of extremism
• immigration politics

Keywords

• far-right
• hate groups
• xenophobia
• extremism
• immigration
• politics
• globalization

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, Southern Poverty Law Center, Conservative Party

Places: Britain, United States, Europe, Latin America

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