Normalization through transnationalization? Far right international coordination and cooperation

This paper examines the normalization of the far right via the transnationalization of identities, networks and mobilization. Normalization is related to transformations in the socio-political landscape, and the travelling across borders of discursive strategies and practices of backlash political players play a role on it. Focusing on the crucial Italian case, first, we distinguish extent of far right transnationalization in terms of framing strategy, organizational contacts and networks, and events, underlining the existence of different paths toward the same outcome. Second, we apply these concepts to key cases of various types of far right organizations, tracing the trasnationalization processes of the political party Fratelli d’Italia (FdI), two radical right movements (GI Italia, and CasaPound) and one ‘movement-party’ (Forza Nuova). The findings, (i) underline the contextual political opportunities European integration provides for the transnationalization of the far right and (ii) identify distinct practices and processes of transnationalization across different types of actors. These aspects are fundamental to consider, as the far right’s transnational alignment may lead to a stronger European far-right public sphere, in opposition to the one envisioned by the EU. We can call this normalization or mainstreaming. The study draws on an analysis of organisational documents, protest event data and interviews.