The article explores the transnational connections between fascist movements of the 1930s and contemporary far-right politics, emphasizing that fascism has historically operated across borders. It examines the recent U.S. National Security Strategy, which promotes a “continental MAGA” approach aimed at enhancing European nationalism in response to perceived threats from transnational bodies and migration.
There are links between Trump’s MAGA movement and European far-right parties, highlighting figures like Giorgia Meloni and Viktor Orbán who have aligned closely with Trump’s nationalism. This connection mirrors historical fascist propaganda efforts, which also aimed to build international support through shared grievances and narratives.
The article delves into the origins of these connections, noting that fascist movements sought to appeal to discontent within other nations in the interwar period. For instance, American groups like the German American Bund mirrored Nazi ideologies, while European fascists found inspiration in the U.S. racial policies.
In examining the legacies of fascism, the article discusses how post-war transnational networks of fascists persisted and adapted, leading to new forms of far-right ideologies that blend local and global strategies. This is seen today in the way that far-right politicians disavow overt fascism while employing populist rhetoric to resonate with voters.
Ultimately, the article argues that the essence of fascism—its authoritarian, ethnonationalist ideology—remains relevant and capable of resurgence, presenting a continuity from the 1930s to today. The danger lies in its adaptability within democratic systems, as modern far-right movements can invoke the same sentiments masked under populist frameworks. Fascism, it warns, is not just a historical occurrence but a persistent threat that can gain traction anywhere, stressing the idea that “it can happen here.”
