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What role has multiculturalism played in the rise of far-right political parties in Europe?

Cathy Tagg

Hey!

Thanks for asking such an interesting question. The role of multiculturalism in the rise of far-right political parties in Europe is a complex issue that has been debated by politicians, scholars, and societies for many years. In my view, multiculturalism itself has not been the main cause of the rise of far-right parties in Europe, but rather it has been used as a convenient scapegoat to justify their ideas.

First of all, we should agree on what we mean by multiculturalism. According to the Oxford Dictionary, multiculturalism is "the presence or support of several distinct cultural or ethnic groups within a society." If we take this definition, then multiculturalism has been a reality in Europe for centuries, due to the continent's history of colonization, migration, and integration. Therefore, it is not a new phenomenon that can be blamed for current political trends.

However, it is true that multiculturalism has faced challenges in recent years, as a result of economic, social, and political factors. For instance, the global financial crisis of 2008, followed by the refugee crisis of 2015, generated tension and uncertainty in many European countries, as they struggled to cope with the influx of newcomers and the strains on their welfare systems. Moreover, some extremist groups and individuals have exploited the fear and anger of some people by identifying cultural and religious differences as a threat to their national identity and security. They have portrayed multiculturalism as a failed experiment that has allowed the erosion of traditional values, the spread of crime and terrorism, and the loss of jobs and opportunities for the native population.

In this context, far-right parties have emerged or gained momentum, by adopting an anti-multiculturalism discourse that resonates with their constituents. They have promised to restore the primacy of their culture and heritage, by reducing immigration, expelling illegal immigrants, closing borders, and promoting nationalistic policies. They have also accused mainstream parties of being too soft on multiculturalism, by endorsing policies of diversity, tolerance, and pluralism that they consider to be naive or harmful.

However, I believe that blaming multiculturalism for the rise of far-right parties is a simplistic and misleading approach, that ignores the underlying causes of their success. In reality, the rise of far-right parties is a symptom of a more profound crisis of democracy, that affects all European countries, regardless of their cultural or ethnic diversity. This crisis is characterized by a lack of trust in traditional political parties, a growing polarization of opinion, the erosion of social cohesion, and the erosion of social solidarity. It is deeply rooted in the social and economic inequalities that exist in Europe, and that have been aggravated by the neoliberal policies of the past decades.

Therefore, if we want to address the rise of far-right parties in Europe, we need to tackle the root causes of the crisis of democracy, and not simply blame multiculturalism for it. This means investing in education, social mobility, and equal opportunities for all, regardless of their background or origin. It means promoting a sense of shared identity and common values that go beyond cultural and ethnic differences, without denying or erasing them. It means fostering dialogue and understanding between different groups, and rejecting the rhetoric of hate and division that the far-right parties propagate.

What do you think about this issue? Let me know if you have any other question or comment.