Unmasking the Far Right: How Climate Crisis Fuels a New Wave of Extremism

The Awakening to Climate Realities

Richard Seymour, once preoccupied with other struggles, found himself compelled to confront the climate crisis during an unusually warm Christmas. This moment marked the start of his journey into understanding the profound losses associated with global warming, reshaping his connections to nature and the world.

Growing up in Ireland’s lush landscapes, Seymour was steeped in natural beauty. Yet, he adopted a hyper-urban lifestyle, feeling more aligned with bustling cities like New York and Paris. However, that pivotal winter day reignited his emotional ties to the environment, highlighting the fleeting nature of cherished places.

Eager to deepen his knowledge, Seymour dove into subjects like oceanography and evolutionary theory. Today, he is regarded as a leading thinker on the intersections of climate breakdown and politics, weaving together seemingly disparate threads to reveal the broader implications of environmental collapse.

Seymour’s intellectual prowess shines through in his Patreon content and podcast discussions, where he seamlessly connects the dots between ecological disaster, the rise of far-right movements, and the psychological elements that bind us to this crumbling world.

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The Rise of Disaster Nationalism

Seymour critiques common explanations for the far-right’s rise, arguing they fail to address the global consistency of these movements. He posits that their success lies in a phenomenon he dubs “disaster nationalism,” characterized by a rupture with perceived humane constraints.

This form of nationalism thrives on apocalyptic imagery, painting dramatic narratives like the “great replacement” to galvanize potential supporters. Despite its radical edge, it stops short of historical fascism’s goals, instead focusing on a transformation of societal norms.

Disaster Nationalism explores how environmental crises become fertile ground for far-right ideologies. Seymour questions why the allure of fictional collapse excites us when real disasters loom, shaping a world that’s increasingly unpredictable.

Key elements of disaster nationalism include:

• Turning ecological crises into narratives of human evil
• Exploiting societal fears and insecurities
• Offering a return to traditional values as a remedy

Emotional Manipulation and Power

The far right taps into emotions like humiliation and insecurity, offering a path for revenge and a reset to traditional norms. This appeal is not orchestrated but emerges spontaneously, leveraging shared social conditions to spread its reach.

As Seymour notes, these movements often start with a middle-voter base, expanding their influence over time. Figures like Bolsonaro and Duterte illustrate this trend, building unexpected coalitions that defy simplistic explanations.

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Seymour’s analysis moves beyond superficial characterizations of the far right, delving into the deeper psychological functions of their narratives. He challenges the notion of media literacy deficits, focusing on the deeper desires these fantasies fulfill.

The allure of personalizing complex issues like climate change is profound. Seymour argues that while abstract forces seem unbeatable, targeting a perceived enemy offers a more tangible solution, albeit a misleading one.

The Left’s Struggle and New Alliances

While the left attempts similar tactics, personifying capitalism doesn’t resonate as deeply. The ultra-rich remain distant figures, unlike immigrants or Muslims, who are often portrayed negatively in the media.

Seymour critiques the notion that self-interest solely drives behavior, noting that people often act from love and connection rather than material gain. This insight challenges traditional political narratives and offers a fresh perspective on human motivation.

The concept of “hope-scolds” is central to Seymour’s argument. He believes that acknowledging the potential end can unite people, fostering bonds and motivating action, rather than inducing despair.

Ultimately, Seymour envisions a world where solidarity extends beyond humans, encompassing all life forms. This eco-socialist vision underscores the importance of recognizing our interconnectedness with nature, urging a reevaluation of our relationship with the planet.

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