MILLENNIAL FASCISM

WHAT IS MILLENNIAL FASCISM?

 

The concept of Euroscepticism, or criticism of or opposition to the European Union, has steadily spread since the late 1990s. Its proliferation led to the emergence and success of numerous Eurosceptic and anti-establishment parties. Such parties have also grown in popularity and outspokenness in the United States.

​

Historically, fascism has been viewed in many different lights from radical to patriotic though the pejorative connotation has proven most enduring. The turn-of-the-century wave of Euroscepticism, anti-European Union (EU) attitude, and surging presence of nationalist sentiment has strongly resounded with the masses, changing the face of right-wing extremism and rendering it palatable to many people who previously deemed it radical or even perverse. Indeed, Eurosceptic groups have become widely accepted legitimate groups and political parties making indelible marks on the political landscape throughout Europe. In the US, dissatisfaction with the government and growing intolerance has created a divide and a growing sentiment of Ameriscepticism.

 

Though once considered fascist and extremist, these groups and divisive ideas have successfully achieved mainstream support as their once non-traditional ideas have become acceptable and, in some cases, the norm. 

 

I consider these groups a new class of social movement, modern-day manifestations of fascism in an age of Euroscepticism and Ameriscepticism identified as Millennial Fascism.