On November 20th, a distinguished panel convened for an online webinar to discuss the implications of right-wing populism for the future of the transatlantic partnership. The event brought together Akasemi Newsome, Associate Director of the Institute of European Studies (IES) at UC Berkeley; Marianne Riddervold, Professor at the Norwegian Institute of Foreign Affairs (NUPI) and Innlandet Norway University of Applied Sciences, and Senior Fellow at IES; Wolfgang Petritsch, President of the Austrian Institute for International Affairs (OIIP) and President of the Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation; and Daniela Pisoiu, Senior Researcher at OIIP. Moderation was led by Jeroen Dewulf, Director of IES, and Cengiz Günay, Director of OIIP.
The panel explored the rise of right-wing populist leaders such as Donald Trump in the United States (U.S.) and figures like Viktor Orbán, Marine Le Pen, Geert Wilders, and Herbert Kickl in Europe. Central to their discussion was the shared anti-immigration and anti-elite rhetoric of these leaders and their claims to champion solutions for economically vulnerable populations. However, the panelists emphasized that these trends unfold in starkly different political and historical contexts.
For instance, Europe’s multi-party system and robust checks and balances often prevent extremist parties from gaining unchecked power, unlike the American two-party system. Additionally, Europe’s historical reckoning with Nazism and fascism has led to stricter boundaries on free speech, constraining neo-Nazi ideologies. In contrast, the U.S. lacks these historical limitations, creating a more conducive environment for extremist groups.
The panel debated whether the resurgence of right-wing populism represents a form of modern fascism. Most agreed that elements of fascism are evident, particularly in Hungary, where the erosion of an independent judiciary, media, elections, and academia exemplifies authoritarian tendencies. The discussion highlighted how such leaders challenge democratic norms and human rights, threatening values that have long been considered foundational in Western democracies.
The panel also examined the implications of Donald Trump’s second presidency. His tenure is expected to intensify anti-immigration policies, with mass deportations of undocumented immigrants among his key promises. His approach to the war in Ukraine and NATO’s role will demand close scrutiny. Furthermore, Trump’s emphasis on white identity politics is likely to deepen societal divides, fostering a transatlantic relationship characterized by conservative, anti-liberal, and Christian values at both elite and grassroots levels.
In response to these challenges, the panelists underscored the importance of strong democratic institutions and transatlantic cooperation centered on protecting democratic principles. They debated the inclusion of right-wing populist parties in democratic systems, noting that their extremist tendencies pose significant risks. While most panelists supported excluding parties that undermine democracy, they acknowledged the complexities of legally enforcing such measures. The future hinges on developing effective mechanisms to safeguard democratic values and counter authoritarianism.
The panel concluded that addressing the rise of right-wing populism requires vigilance, innovation in legal frameworks, and renewed commitment to the democratic ideals that underpin transatlantic relations.