Meet Halima, a 45 year old mother who has fled the civil war in Syria. After traveling thousands of miles and braving threats to her safety, she finally makes it to France. Upon her arrival, she is met with chants of “France is for the French. Go back to your country. We do not want you here.” I am here to tell you that the example of Halima is replicated across Europe. Europe has abandoned its commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and securing the rights of those who seek its help. Gone are the days when Europe offered solace and refuge to victims of war and those desperate for peace. Instead, it has become a home to far-right nationalists who fear that refugees represent a threat to their national identity. It is unfortunate that the rise of far-right nationalist groups in Europe is also being witnessed here in the United States. Unless we take action now, the nationalist movements will erode the progress that Europe has made in promoting inclusion and tolerance.
In Politics of the Veil, Joan Wallach Scott (2009) captures the situation that is engulfing Europe today. She notes that the world today is grappling with the dilemma of promoting secularism while preserving the freedom of religion. Essentially, Scott warns that it is remarkably difficult for countries that identify as secular to protect the rights of such communities as Muslims who express their faith through items like garments. An observation of the state of Europe today highlights the truth in Scott’s message. Recently, a Muslim woman was arrested in Denmark for violating a law which prohibited the wearing of veils in public spaces (“Denmark Veil Ban”, 2018). Through this ban, Denmark essentially reminded Muslims that they are outsiders who must comply with the secular lifestyles and values of the local communities. What makes the case of this woman significant is the fact that it occurred in a nation that has traditionally been a staunch defender of democratic ideals and personal liberties. If the far-right fervor has gripped Denmark, it is only a question of time before the rest of Europe moves to the far-left. When this happens, the warnings that Scott issues in his text could be realize. Europe will become a land of intolerant people who reject the many benefits that diversity and inclusion deliver.
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So what that nationalist movements are re-emerging in Europe? Provided that they do not have any effect on public policy, why should we be worried? These are some of the questions that one would ask in response to the warning that far-right movements have found a home in Europe. For answers, these people should simply explore the recent developments in a number of European countries. These developments are the subject of an article that Gregor Aisch, Adam Pearce and Bryant Rousseau (2017) authored for the New York Times. In the article, they note that far-right political groups have made significant gains in elections. For example, in Austria, the People’s Party, a political outfit led by Sebastian Kurz who has expressed his desire to limit immigration secured victory in the country’s elections (Aisch, Pearce & Rousseau, 2017). Austria is not isolated. Switzerland, Romania, Britain, Poland and Greece are among other European nations which have witnessed nationalist political parties secure public support (Aisch, Pearce & Rousseau, 2017). Their strong opposition to immigration and closer ties with the European Union is what makes these parties and the nationalist movements in general, a threat to the fabric of the EU and cohesion.
It is true that the re-emergence of nationalist movements is being witnessed across the whole of Europe. However, to gain a better understanding of the devastation that these movements could cause, it is helpful to consider the case of such countries as Germany which have had troubled histories with such movements. Recently, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party secured seats in the country’s parliament (Taub, 2017). The success of this party came despite the measures that Germany has instituted to reclaim itself from its Nazi past. In addition to being staunchly opposed to immigration, the AfD also places great emphasis on patriotism. What Germany is experiencing underscores the threat that nationalist movements pose to the security and stability of European nations. This threat became manifest recently when far-right protestors clashed with counter-protestors in the German city of Chemnitz (The Associated Press, 2018). The protests were sparked by the fatal stabbing that was blamed on immigrants. What can be concluded from the events in Germany is that as far-right nationalist movements witness a re-emergence, Europe should brace for clashes and a return to its ugly past that was defined by racism and violence.
In conclusion, it is necessary to shed light on the rise of nationalist movements in the US. Since the election of Donald Trump, nationalist movements in the country have become bolder and more audacious. For example, far-right protestors held a rally dubbed Unite the Right rally. Driven by the agenda of white supremacy and nationalism, this rally turned violent and resulted in the death of a woman. One would expect that the President would be direct and harsh in his criticisms of the organizers of this rally. This is not what the country witnessed. Instead, the President directed blamed at “all sides” and was reluctant to criticize the far-right movement. It appears that the Trump presidency thrives on the nationalist spirit. This means that the American government cannot be trusted to tackle hate and racism. It is the mandate of individual Americans to rise up and demand a return to the tolerance and respect that defined our nation. Europeans should join the American people in calling on their governments to stamp out hateful rhetoric and to encourage cohesion and tolerance. This is the only solution to destructive nationalist rhetoric.
References
Aisch, G., Pearce, A., & Rousseau, B. (2017). How far is Europe swinging to the right? The
New York Times. Retrieved August 30, 2018 from https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/05/22/world/europe/europe-right-wing-austria-hungary.html
The Associated Press. (2018). Rumors fueled far-right protests after killing in German city.
The New York Times. Retrieved August 30, 2018 from
https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2018/08/29/world/europe/ap-eu-germany-far-right.html
Denmark veil ban: first woman charged for wearing niqab. (2018). BBC News. Retrieved 30 th
August 2018 from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-45064237
Scott, J. W. (2009). The politics of the veil. Princeton, NJ: Princeton: University Press.
Taub, A. (2017). Germany’s taboos, once a bulwark against the far right, may now be enabling
It. The New York Times. Retrieved August 30, 2018 from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/17/world/europe/germany-far-right-politics-afd.html
