In a recent analysis by Nathan J. Robinson on Current Affairs, Richard Seymour discusses the rise of far-right politics, emphasizing that its roots lie in people's feelings and societal conditions rather than solely economic factors. He highlights the phenomenon of 'disaster nationalism' as a dangerous trend that has emerged globally. Seymour notes the significance of mass sentiments leading to political choices, citing examples of violence and pseudo-insurrections in the U.S., Brazil, Germany, and Russia. He critiques the simplistic view that only economically disadvantaged individuals support far-right movements, pointing out that many supporters are relatively well-off [df2d9b58].
Seymour connects the rise of far-right ideologies to historical and psychological factors, referencing Freud's ideas on civilization and instinctual renunciations. He argues that the far-right's appeal lies in its ability to channel feelings of resentment and failure into a collective identity against perceived enemies. This analysis complements the ongoing discourse on the influence of Friedrich Nietzsche on right-wing thought, as explored in a recent article by Matt McManus in Jacobin magazine. McManus highlights how Nietzsche's ideas have sparked debates among Danish intellectuals over the moral foundations of society, foreshadowing contemporary ideological conflicts between the Left and the far right [e61256c9].
The book 'The Great Debate: Nietzsche, Culture, and the Scandinavian Welfare Society' delves into the historical debate between Georg Brandes and Harald Høffding regarding Nietzsche's work. Brandes viewed Nietzsche as a proponent of 'aristocratic radicalism' and rejected egalitarian achievements, while Høffding proposed a 'democratic radicalism' grounded in the 'welfare principle'. This historical context is crucial for understanding how Nietzsche's philosophy has been appropriated by right-wing intellectuals today, who present the entrepreneur or tycoon as embodying Nietzsche's 'overman' ideal, blending Nietzschean aristocratic radicalism with neoliberal meritocratic mythology [e61256c9].
Moreover, Seymour's insights resonate with the concerns raised by Sohrab Ahmari in The New Statesman about the unique danger posed by the new racist right, particularly the online right. This movement openly espouses racist and anti-Semitic ideologies, promoting hereditary differences among human groups and a Nietzschean worship of strength. The mainstream and even many progressives dismiss this movement as mere 'shitposting' on the internet, failing to recognize its comprehensive politics that fundamentally oppose democracy and the principles of equal human worth and dignity. The return of right-wing eugenics and IQ politics could lead to legal changes that undermine civil rights and impede economic reform. The new racist right has developed an ideological and cultural ecosystem both online and in real-world hubs, making it crucial to acknowledge and address the danger it poses [a22bd996] [e61256c9].