The resurgence of nationalism in Europe
"The battle for France has just started", declared a triumphant Marine Le Pen after her impressive score in the first round of the French presidential election. She immediately added that her party, the far right National Front, was ready to "defend French identity".
This "battle" is, however, much wider - and involves the same future of the European Union, and international relations too. In an historical era characterised by economic uncertainty, austerity plans and the perceived interference of international markets, the EU and Germany in national sovereignty, nations run the risk of strengthening domestic narrow nationalisms and experiencing the growth of extremist forces, along with the rise of old and new "resentment" between regional neighbours.
This is in line with Europe's extreme-right tendency to reject the frame, organisation and bureaucracy of the European Union. Many of them call for a different type of Europe - a Europe of "free nations", fatherlands and "people".
These extreme nationalists will soon be gaining additional electoral support and attract new sympathisers across almost all European states. Some of them adopt a political agenda openly challenging capitalism, globalisation, liberalism and criticising EU policies on the economic crisis and Greece. Their rhetoric made by references to national security, narrow forms of territorial belonging, and the defence of local identities, can be appealing in these troubled times.
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2012/05/2012525105219249947.html
Economic troubles historically have been a right wing movements have had more success than in good times. The EU, in particular Germany, should ease up on the austerity policy and promote more growth, since this is what will solve Europe's problems in the long run. Of course, Merkel may not be too unhappy that austerity politics brings about a resurgence of the right in Europe.
