The Crisis of Neoliberal Globalization and the Rise of Right-Wing Populism

Numerous scholars and authors argue that left-wing and right-wing counterhegemonic movements are gaining traction. For instance, Belgian political theorist Chantal Mouffe refers to this as the “populist moment.” However, I disagree with this perspective. The most successful political candidates and public officials belong to right-wing populist parties and social movements that promote nationalist, racist, xenophobic, and authoritarian ideas and beliefs. Therefore, I argue that this signifies the development of post-fascism. Although populism is not synonymous with fascism, there is no doubt that they belong to the same genealogy. Contemporary right-wing populism serves the same function as “classic” fascism, diverting attention from the actual causes of social and economic issues by blaming “the elites” and minority groups while bolstering what Nancy Fraser labels as reactionary neoliberalism.