[Conversations] Omran Shroufi: Why stopping the far-right cannot be an end in itself

Why stopping the far-right cannot be an end in itself
with Omran Shroufi

New Series: Women Against Fascism (WAF)

 Conversations  / Thurs 13th Feb / 6.30 pm

Open to everyone | Booking required
Bar open

Recent far-right successes across Europe and beyond have been of great concern to many established and progressive political actors. Lots of words have been written about how best to stop this apparent far-right surge, and many have sought to highlight the danger far-right parties pose to our democracies and societies. However, as understandable as such a reaction is, adopting a purely oppositional, anti-far right position will only go so far. Electorates are increasingly disillusioned with the status quo and appeals to ‘save democracy’ are falling on deaf ears. The far-right’s opponents need to understand that they should not only be stating what they oppose, but more importantly need to articulate a much clearer vision for what they stand for and carve out a more distinctive position for themselves. In fact, it may be time for progressive forces to learn from the far-right, not regarding policies and ideas, but in terms of how to motivate and speak to voters and build consensus around ideas that were once fringe.

ABOUT THE HOST

Omran Shroufi is a political scientist and academic investigating how today's youth engages with the far right. He is currently based at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, mainly involved with the Centre for the study of Democracy, Signification and Resistance. Omran completed his PhD in Politics at the University of York, where he examined the emergence of pro-Israeli far right parties in West Europe. His research interests include far right studies, far right ideology, German politics and (discourses about) populism and anti-populism.

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ADDITIONAL INFO 

FOOD & DRINK	EVENT SIZE	WHEELCHAIR
Bar open with snacks	Small (10-20)	Available on request