POLS 074. Populism, Fascism, and the Far Right (CP)

For the first time since the 1930s, the far right is globally ascendant. Far-right movements have taken power in multiple states, including the US, and stand poised to take power in others. New and old liberal democracies are backsliding. Paradoxically, ultranationalists reach across international borders to support one another as they spread disinformation, conspiracies, and criticism of the establishment. Their messages increasingly resonate with the public and go unanalyzed by the media. Some movements have traded in digital anonymity for street action and terrorism. Adding to the tumult are perennial debates over concepts and definitions, which far-right actors exploit and encourage: is MAGA fascism, populism, conservatism, or incoherency; was Elon Musk’s gesture a fascist salute, a mistake, a joke, or all of the above; was January 6th a protest, a popular revolution, a riot, an insurrection, or an autogolpe? Drawing on theories, historical and modern cases, and far-right thinkers, this course charts the conceptual topography of the far-right and its evolution. Topics covered include: contemporary movements and parties, the radical right, the extreme right, fascism, Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, neofascism, ecofascism, populism, disinformation and conspiracy theories, terrorism, the intellectual history of the right, the transnational and international relations of the far right, the Manosphere, “Ethics in Gaming Journalism,” and responses (or lack thereof) from the left and center.
Social Sciences.
1 credit.
Fall 2025. Casey.
Catalog chapter: Political Science
Department website: swarthmore.edu/political-science

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