Between neoliberalism and the far right: a conceptual approach between the global South and North

Abstract

Two of the great economic and political events of the early 21st century, the 2008 financial crisis and the rise of the far-right around the globe, seemed to signal the end of the "neoliberal era". At that time, many analysts and politicians decreed the "death of neoliberalism" and the beginning of a new era. However, after a few years of these events, scholars today claim that those predictions were exaggerated and premature. The financial crisis did not shake the neoliberal economic reform agenda and the rise of the extreme right did not mean the end of neoliberalism. On the contrary, some see in these events a direct relationship with contemporary transformations in neoliberal practices. While some scholars argue that neoliberal reforms created the perfect environment for the reemergence of the far-right, others point to links between neoliberal individuals and institutes and these extremist groups. There are also experts who, going further, claim that this would be a new neoliberal, authoritarian and violent phase. Considering these different analytical scenarios on a global scale, this project seeks to contribute to this current, relevant and intense debate. From a more conceptual approach, this research proposes understanding if and how extreme right groups used, incorporated and/or resignified neoliberal concepts, ideas and discourses. This is an approach that has not yet been explored and that can produce new results and perspectives. From a geographical point of view, this proposal aims to establish a transnational, comparative and possibly unprecedented approach between Brazil and the United Kingdom, seeking to understand the dialogues, connections, similarities and distinctions between the two countries and the unfolding of these events. (AU)