This is Fascism

Fascism is back. This time no swastikas, Nazi flags, or deadly bureaucracy, but MAGA hats, right-wing extremist memes, and a triumphant fist held high. For the first time in modern history, far right parties in some European countries have won a larger share of the votes than the Conservatives and the Social Democrats. Fascism hollows out democracies from within. It starts with language, not tanks. With democratic elections, not a coup. But how do fascists mobilise citizens? How has fascism become normalised in Europe again? And how do we stop it?

Rosan Smits is a political scientist and has conducted research on radicalization and violence in war zones for many years. She led the Conflict Research Unit at the Netherlands Institute of International Relations. Since 2017, she has been deputy editor-in-chief of De Correspondent.