The ideological parasitism of the new extreme rights. Right-wing Gramscists and red-brown alliances in France, Italy and Spain (1968-2022)

Abstract

In an era marked by ideological confusionism, the new extreme right has not only prioritised the cultural battle, but has also shown a great capacity to appropriate concepts, ideas and discourses from other ideologies, including those of the left. This ideological parasitism is a largely novel feature for these political formations. In this article, on the one hand, we propose to analyse the ideological evolution of positions that have been defined as right-wing gramscism or red-brown alliance. From its origins-the thought of Alain de Benoist and the Nouvelle Droite-and its links with eurasianism, the ideological proposal that has taken shape between the 1990s and the present day will be outlined. On the other hand, a mapping of the existing realities in France, Italy and Spain will be proposed, paying attention to political and cultural projects that have allowed not only a viralisation of far-right ideas, but also a partial reformulation of their discourse and political strategy. Finally, it will show how ideas put into circulation by often very restricted circles have had a much greater influence, and have been partially taken up by the main extreme right parties in these countries, namely the Front National, the Lega Nord, Fratelli d’Italia and Vox.