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Europe's Fault Lines: Racism and the Rise of the Right
An expansive investigation into the relationship between contemporary states and the far-right
It is clear that the right is on the rise, but after Brexit, the election of Donald Trump and the spike in popularity of extreme-right parties across Europe, the question on everyone’s minds is: how did this happen?
An expansive investigation of the ways in which a newly configured right interconnects with anti-democratic and illiberal forces at the level of the state, Europe’s Fault Lines provides much-needed answers, revealing some uncomfortable truths.
What appear to be “blind spots” about far-right extremism on the part of the state are shown to constitute collusion—as police, intelligence agencies and the military embark on practices of covert policing that bring them into direct or indirect contact with the far right, in ways that bring to mind the darkest days of Europe’s authoritarian past.
Old racisms may be structured deep in European thought, but they have been revitalised and spun in new ways: the war on terror, the cultural revolution from the right, and the migration-linked demonisation of the destitute “scrounger.” Drawing on more than three decades of work for the Institute of Race Relations, Liz Fekete exposes the fundamental fault lines of racism an tarianism in contemporary Europe.
It is clear that the right is on the rise, but after Brexit, the election of Donald Trump and the spike in popularity of extreme-right parties across Europe, the question on everyone’s minds is: how did this happen?
An expansive investigation of the ways in which a newly configured right interconnects with anti-democratic and illiberal forces at the level of the state, Europe’s Fault Lines provides much-needed answers, revealing some uncomfortable truths.
What appear to be “blind spots” about far-right extremism on the part of the state are shown to constitute collusion—as police, intelligence agencies and the military embark on practices of covert policing that bring them into direct or indirect contact with the far right, in ways that bring to mind the darkest days of Europe’s authoritarian past.
Old racisms may be structured deep in European thought, but they have been revitalised and spun in new ways: the war on terror, the cultural revolution from the right, and the migration-linked demonisation of the destitute “scrounger.” Drawing on more than three decades of work for the Institute of Race Relations, Liz Fekete exposes the fundamental fault lines of racism an tarianism in contemporary Europe.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 29, 2018
In Europe’s Fault Lines: Racism and the Rise of the Right, Liz Fekete lays down a thorough and detailed study of the current state of Far and Extreme Right-wing activities in Europe; from the normalisation and adoption by centrist bodies of far right narratives to justify authoritarian reactions (see Brexit), the unofficial utilisation of right-wing and Neo-Nazi groups within border enforcement and the policing of migrants and minorities, the failures of neoliberal attempts at Exit programmes that have resulted in insincere Neo-Nazis profiting, and to the validation and propagation of right-wing ideology through anti-terror laws.
We have a terrible habit in Europe, especially the UK, of looking at America - especially after events like Charlottesville, the 'detention' camps of Latinx economic migrants and refugees, and far right spin doctors like Steve Bannon setting up shot in public spaces - and thinking "well, at least that sort of thing can't happen here". Spoiler, it can, it will, and it has. I would especially recommend this book to those who have thought the above, especially on the subject of the response to, and treatment of migrants and refugees coming from Syria and Sub-Saharan African countries such as Eritrea,and Nigeria.
For those more versed in the topic it may read repetitive, though I found some enlightening passages which while not necessarily new were certainly moments of realisation once the obvious being pointed out (e.g. market forces using and endorsing the discriminatory and intolerant arguments of the right to sell boarder security tech). It is an excellent primer on a Europe where "the whistle-blowers who act out of conscience to expose corruption and state violence are quickly excommunicated", however, as another reviewer has suggested, if you are after something more in-depth then you may find yourself disappointed.
The style is a little heavy, switching between a journalistic approach to that of an academic text, and the use of abbreviations without a glossary made keeping up with the whos and wheres a little difficult [note for publisher, a glossary would be a really good addition to further editions]. My only true disappointment was that, unlike for example in Of Women: In the 21st Century, Fekete did not extend her knowledge to possible practical solutions or actions that will fix the damage of past mistakes, something I would have expected of a member of the Institute of Race Relations. At least other than abandoning Neoliberalism, better scrutinisation of 'reformed' Neo Nazis, and ending the practice of demonisation and dehumanisation of 'outsiders' - whether refugee, Muslim, Roma, working poor, or the unemployed - that allows for a climate where empathy brands individuals as unpatriotic do-gooders; all easier said than done.
Note: I would recommend the print book rather than ebook, at least if you access ebooks through the kindle app. The text itself makes up 67% then 10& of notes while the rest is index. It's nigh impossible to refer to the notes while reading, other ereaders or reading apps may vary.
We have a terrible habit in Europe, especially the UK, of looking at America - especially after events like Charlottesville, the 'detention' camps of Latinx economic migrants and refugees, and far right spin doctors like Steve Bannon setting up shot in public spaces - and thinking "well, at least that sort of thing can't happen here". Spoiler, it can, it will, and it has. I would especially recommend this book to those who have thought the above, especially on the subject of the response to, and treatment of migrants and refugees coming from Syria and Sub-Saharan African countries such as Eritrea,and Nigeria.
For those more versed in the topic it may read repetitive, though I found some enlightening passages which while not necessarily new were certainly moments of realisation once the obvious being pointed out (e.g. market forces using and endorsing the discriminatory and intolerant arguments of the right to sell boarder security tech). It is an excellent primer on a Europe where "the whistle-blowers who act out of conscience to expose corruption and state violence are quickly excommunicated", however, as another reviewer has suggested, if you are after something more in-depth then you may find yourself disappointed.
The style is a little heavy, switching between a journalistic approach to that of an academic text, and the use of abbreviations without a glossary made keeping up with the whos and wheres a little difficult [note for publisher, a glossary would be a really good addition to further editions]. My only true disappointment was that, unlike for example in Of Women: In the 21st Century, Fekete did not extend her knowledge to possible practical solutions or actions that will fix the damage of past mistakes, something I would have expected of a member of the Institute of Race Relations. At least other than abandoning Neoliberalism, better scrutinisation of 'reformed' Neo Nazis, and ending the practice of demonisation and dehumanisation of 'outsiders' - whether refugee, Muslim, Roma, working poor, or the unemployed - that allows for a climate where empathy brands individuals as unpatriotic do-gooders; all easier said than done.
Note: I would recommend the print book rather than ebook, at least if you access ebooks through the kindle app. The text itself makes up 67% then 10& of notes while the rest is index. It's nigh impossible to refer to the notes while reading, other ereaders or reading apps may vary.
October 8, 2018
In recent decades, Neo-liberalism* has been and is still, culpable in fomenting and normalizing an epidemic of ultra-right-wing extremist terrorism and the concurrent assumption of power by overtly fascist extreme-right political parties. It is no longer to be conjectured whether this is merely tin-foil. Based solely on race and culture, whether sedition is from within or without the state, we witness double standards. We favour nice “decent lads” (who deal in infiltrating the military and police, duplicity within their own ranks, randoms "crowd-control", gun and hard-drug running, prostitution and yes... paedophilia) over kids with their back against a wall. Ultimately, whether we dismiss this or not, one way or the other, this will affect the quality of life of each and every one of us. The state security and surveillance apparatus is a burgeoning trans-national industry oblivious to individual rights. The stats are drawn from the member as well as certain former member-states of the European Union. I think the conclusions would equally apply to countries on this side of the pond. Ascertaining dimensions of the problem is near impossible and is about to become that much more difficult. A nice reference book, which will be much needed!
*center-left and right parties that solely favour market-driven economics above all else
*center-left and right parties that solely favour market-driven economics above all else
June 28, 2018
This book should be read by everyone who wants to understand the current return of the far-right in European (and American) politics today. Though the style is largely journalistic, Fekete is adept at insightfully weaving in theory and other discourses in order to underscore her points. Most helpful is the way she shows how right-wing themes are gradually altering center-left discourse, something most people are largely unaware of, even those for whom far-right discourse is beyond the pale. Along with this, she helpfully states alternative leftist policy prescriptions and views, which is very helpful for those who are unclear about alternatives to what, unfortunately, is fast becoming a new hegemonic discourse. You can't combat something if you can't recognize what it is and how things should be different, and Fekete's book helps us do just that.
August 9, 2021
I do not recommend this book, it is has many fault lines of its own.
1. the author presents case studies and acts of racism done by extremist groups, their representatives and individuals, but links this with a social and most importantly - societal racist culture, which is not true. This happens on numerous occasions during the book, building a conspiracy like setting that lacks any real evidence to wider issue presented by the author to the reader;
2. the author talks about the EU and its institutions in context of racism, but it never mentions the fact that no other legal body, let alone set of states in one region (Europe) has undertaken aim to ensure equal opportunities and basic human rights as the EU. Really, the author has not done any in-depth analysis of the EU's migrant funding, legal and economic solutions and therefore provided objective conclusions;
3. the author talks about countries (especially Greece, Germany, France, the UK and others), but completely disregards the economic, geopolitical, cultural, historical roots that these countries have, especially when we talk about ex-colonialist/imperialist and European super power states. That cannot be done, this is a major sin as it has shaped the way how these countries and their societies perceive threats and challenges at hand;
4. There are no solutions provided to the issue presented and pained as a grim and over-arching illness of racist Europe. We are manipulated by the extreme and ultra right- who are they? The author never clearly identifies the root of evil. There are suggestions that we (the society) have been dis synthesized of empathy for the asylum and refuge seekers, especially through mass media which relates back to the 1st point addressed in my review - apart from these statements, there are no solid evidence, not even cherry picked by the author;
5. This book is not worth your money, time or energy. It is highly superficial, extremely subjective and poor product of 'academic' representation as the author works in the Institute of Race Relations, whose understanding of the world and geopolitics is highly questionable. Not to mention their ability to evaluate facts and data on a subjective level while putting aside their own agenda.
1. the author presents case studies and acts of racism done by extremist groups, their representatives and individuals, but links this with a social and most importantly - societal racist culture, which is not true. This happens on numerous occasions during the book, building a conspiracy like setting that lacks any real evidence to wider issue presented by the author to the reader;
2. the author talks about the EU and its institutions in context of racism, but it never mentions the fact that no other legal body, let alone set of states in one region (Europe) has undertaken aim to ensure equal opportunities and basic human rights as the EU. Really, the author has not done any in-depth analysis of the EU's migrant funding, legal and economic solutions and therefore provided objective conclusions;
3. the author talks about countries (especially Greece, Germany, France, the UK and others), but completely disregards the economic, geopolitical, cultural, historical roots that these countries have, especially when we talk about ex-colonialist/imperialist and European super power states. That cannot be done, this is a major sin as it has shaped the way how these countries and their societies perceive threats and challenges at hand;
4. There are no solutions provided to the issue presented and pained as a grim and over-arching illness of racist Europe. We are manipulated by the extreme and ultra right- who are they? The author never clearly identifies the root of evil. There are suggestions that we (the society) have been dis synthesized of empathy for the asylum and refuge seekers, especially through mass media which relates back to the 1st point addressed in my review - apart from these statements, there are no solid evidence, not even cherry picked by the author;
5. This book is not worth your money, time or energy. It is highly superficial, extremely subjective and poor product of 'academic' representation as the author works in the Institute of Race Relations, whose understanding of the world and geopolitics is highly questionable. Not to mention their ability to evaluate facts and data on a subjective level while putting aside their own agenda.
November 7, 2018
My first political read in a few months! This is a quick and interesting read at the increasing rise of far-right politics in Europe. Fekete does a great job of showing how the neoliberal governments that have ruled Europe for the past few decades are starting to seamlessly transition to fascism now that neoliberalism's promises have dried up for all but the global elite. In some ways it's depressing to realize how powerful are the forces those of us who value social justice must struggle against; but it's also very helpful to know your enemy, and comparing Fekete's analysis of European politics with similar recent trends in America do a lot to teach us about both.
May 26, 2020
This is a thoroughly researched book by someone who knows the subject well. Unlike a lot of works for the general public in this area, Fekete's book tries to understand the causes and roots of right wing thought/violence across Europe, making reference to specific local circumstances (the French intelligentsia, such as it is, is a completely different beast to the British media establishment, and as a result has given us a completely different far right movement). However, this was overall a superficial and even muddled text, with no clear overall thesis. It is valuable as a primer and a jumping-off point for further research, but doesn't stand up to a great deal of deep scrutiny.
February 21, 2025
Absolutely outstanding.
This book was instrumental in my learning about the institutional human rights abuses suffered by migrants across Europe, from aid organisations to government policies to abuse from far right activists from the moment they arrive in any given country.
Fekete fantastically details these horrific circumstances and how these factors encourage migrants to move on in hopes of finding a more tolerant place to settle, often to no avail.
Next time anybody in your family or circle of friends is ranting about migrants "sponging off the state" or "just trying to claim benefits", hand them a copy of this.
This book was instrumental in my learning about the institutional human rights abuses suffered by migrants across Europe, from aid organisations to government policies to abuse from far right activists from the moment they arrive in any given country.
Fekete fantastically details these horrific circumstances and how these factors encourage migrants to move on in hopes of finding a more tolerant place to settle, often to no avail.
Next time anybody in your family or circle of friends is ranting about migrants "sponging off the state" or "just trying to claim benefits", hand them a copy of this.
August 30, 2021
The author is giving a really well researched account on various facts concerning the rise of the right in the past ~20 years in Europe.
L. Fekete is having a deep look at several topics, trying to describe this topic on every level. She's portraying the strategies of the right, the change in society, structural racism and the role of the media in this whole thing.
Definitely recommended if you want to get an idea of the European development in society over the past years, especially with the so called refugee "crisis" and its effects.
L. Fekete is having a deep look at several topics, trying to describe this topic on every level. She's portraying the strategies of the right, the change in society, structural racism and the role of the media in this whole thing.
Definitely recommended if you want to get an idea of the European development in society over the past years, especially with the so called refugee "crisis" and its effects.
March 20, 2018
Parroting the state orthodoxy about the so called rise of the so called right. The fact that the racism was hidden below many layers of free speech laws, that the conventional press was and still is gagged from talking about the subject and that Europe is profoundly racist, nothing counts. Magical thinking from a shallow mind. And the story can go as far as Australia!
August 1, 2018
Lots of research and detailed information. The Right, and Neo-liberalism, are destroying humanitarianism. The treatment of refugees is beyond despicable. Will we need a global crisis to reverse the tide? Time to use back as the planet is also being destroyed.
April 9, 2021
Great overview and insight to Europe’s current state when it comes to this rise of the right. You do need to have some a priori and you may have to look up some things, but for the brevity of this book it still covers a great amount.
May 14, 2023
Extremely interesting and well documented book, however not the easiest read and a bit difficult to follow due to how dense it is.
November 15, 2023
Interesting look at the intersection of neoliberalism and racism.
February 24, 2025
This is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand how we managed to sleepwalk our way into fascism.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews