New Enlightenment Culture War Capitalism with Philip Rathgeb
In this episode, we sit down with Philip Rathgeb to discuss the impact of radical right parties on social and economic policies in Europe and the USA. Rathgeb explains that the rise of the radical right is a result of the depoliticisation of the economy because of the neoliberal consensus of the last few decades. This has led to a migration of political conflict to cultural issues such as immigration and identity. The radical right, according to Rathgeb, seeks to politicise these issues and undermine liberal democratic institutions. Rathgeb introduces the concept of 'culture war capitalism' which explores the interdependence between cultural and economic policies. He provides examples of how radical right parties use family policy to implement their cultural principles and entrench gender roles. The conversation then delves into the upcoming European Parliament elections and the dispute among radical right parties from different countries in terms of foreign policy and the economy.
Takeaways
- The rise of the radical right is a response to the depoliticisation of the economy under the neoliberal consensus.
- Radical right parties politicise cultural issues such as immigration and identity to undermine liberal democratic institutions.
- The concept of 'culture war capitalism' explores the interdependence between cultural and economic policies.
- Radical right parties use family policy to implement their cultural principles and entrench gender roles.
- Radical right parties in Europe contest different elements of globalisation.
- The upcoming European Parliament elections will see the rise of radical right parties, posing challenges in foreign policy and the economy.
- Mainstream parties need to understand and address the anxieties of voters to counter the rise of the radical right.
Links:
Philip Rathgeb:
X How the Radical Right Has Changed Capitalism and Welfare in Europe and the USA Website