Trump has won and Europe is seeing a rise of the political right. But why is this happening?
As 2024 unfolds, the political winds sweeping through both sides of the Atlantic reveal a startling trend: the unmistakable resurgence of far-right and populist movements. What began as murmurs of discontent has grown into a cacophony of nationalist anthems, economic disillusionment, and anti-establishment fervour. This re-emergence is not the work of a singular, overarching cause but a series of interconnected cultural and socio-economic transformations that have solidified support for the right—pushing Donald Trump back into the White House and propelling Europe’s far-right movements into prominence. Here is what has defined 2024’s political stage.
Economic Anxiety and the Allure of Stability
The economic malaise gripping much of the Western world has undoubtedly been one of the driving forces behind the rise of the right. Inflation, the uneven recovery from the pandemic, and fears of stagnation have eroded public confidence in centrist political establishments. Donald Trump’s 2024 victory was propelled in no small part by a country weary of economic precarity, with the promise of a return to prosperity proving irresistibly appealing. The image of Trump as a businessman who could ostensibly ‘get things done’—whether accurate or not—resonated once more.
Across Europe, far-right parties have found similar traction by framing themselves as champions of economic revival and national self-sufficiency. The narratives are eerily familiar: job losses, rising living costs, and declining purchasing power have compounded a sense of collective anxiety. France’s Marine Le Pen and Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) have played upon these concerns, presenting themselves as defenders of ordinary citizens against a supposedly detached elite.
The Return of Identity Politics
Identity is another battleground upon which the right has thrived. Globalisation and mass migration have triggered a wave of cultural introspection and, for many, fear of a loss of traditional identity. The rhetoric surrounding immigration—amplified by sensationalised stories and often dubious statistics—has become a rallying cry for far-right movements. Trump’s 2024 campaign leaned heavily into themes of border security, ‘American values,’ and the supposed ‘threat’ posed by outsiders. It was a narrative familiar to many voters who felt overwhelmed by rapid demographic changes and the perceived erosion of cultural norms.
In Europe, this phenomenon is amplified by historical ties to national identity. Parties like Italy’s Brothers of Italy and Austria’s Freedom Party have used emotive language that paints their nations as victims of a relentless tide of change imposed by European bureaucrats. This focus on ‘national preservation’ strikes a powerful chord among those who fear a dilution of their cultural heritage. What emerges is a paradoxical mix of nostalgia and resistance—yearning for a mythic past while rebelling against a perceived present-day threat.
The Role of Disillusionment with Mainstream Politics
Disillusionment has been a fertile breeding ground for far-right and populist movements. Trust in government institutions has eroded as scandals, economic mismanagement, and entrenched political polarisation have shaken public faith meaning that for many, the choice has not been between left or right but between change and the status quo. Trump and his European counterparts have positioned themselves as anti-establishment mavericks capable of shaking things up. The populist ‘us versus them’ dynamic casts establishment figures as out-of-touch elites, deaf to the struggles of the common man.
Here, we encounter one of the ironies of Trump’s resurgence. Though a wealthy businessman and former president, he has adeptly marketed himself as the voice of the downtrodden. His campaign against the so-called ‘deep state’ and promise to ‘drain the swamp’ remains compelling. In Europe, the disdain for established parties has similarly led to the rise of outsiders who style themselves as challengers to corrupt and stagnant political orders.
The Weaponisation of Media and Social Platforms
Media strategy has been another crucial pillar supporting the rise of the right. Traditional media outlets, once powerful gatekeepers, have found themselves outflanked by the rise of social media and alternative platforms. Trump’s campaign leveraged this new digital reality, reaching disillusioned younger voters through influencers, podcasts, and viral content that bypassed mainstream media scrutiny. In doing so, he amplified his messaging and connected with a broader audience.
Europe’s far-right leaders have followed suit, utilising online platforms to spread their messages far and wide. This digital landscape has allowed them to circumvent traditional political barriers and engage directly with a base hungry for unfiltered, incendiary rhetoric. While many platforms have attempted to police misinformation, the sheer volume of content—combined with the immediacy of social media—has proven difficult to manage.
Demographic Shifts and Unlikely Alliances
An interesting facet of Trump’s 2024 victory and the broader resurgence of the right lies in demographic shifts. Far from being solely the domain of older, white voters, Trump managed to make inroads among younger voters, Hispanic men, and even some segments of the Black male population. Economic discontent and a perception that mainstream parties were not addressing their concerns drove these groups towards a candidate promising economic rejuvenation and social conservatism.
Europe has witnessed similar trends. In Italy, for example, the youth vote has increasingly tilted rightward, driven by economic instability and the perception that traditional parties have failed to deliver meaningful change. This demographic evolution highlights the adaptability of far-right messaging—one that is evolving to appeal to broader constituencies without losing its core identity.
What Lies Ahead?
The rise of the right stems from multiple interconnected factors: economic uncertainty, cultural changes, shifting voter demographics, and evolving media landscapes. Data shows increasing support for right-wing parties across various demographic groups, particularly among younger voters and traditionally left-leaning constituencies.
Recent electoral results indicate this trend extends beyond individual countries. In the US, Trump’s 2024 victory reflects similar patterns seen in European elections, where right-wing parties have gained parliamentary seats and governmental positions. These movements have successfully used both traditional and social media platforms to reach voters, while benefiting from widespread institutional distrust and economic concerns.
The political landscape continues to evolve as these movements gain prominence in national and regional governments. Their growing influence on policy-making and international relations will likely remain a significant factor in Western democratic systems through the mid-2020s.