The Rise of the Authoritarian Populist Right: The Illiberal Defenders of Freedom?

Krekó, Péter (2025) The Rise of the Authoritarian Populist Right: The Illiberal Defenders of Freedom? Brown Journal of World Affairs, XXXI (II).

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Abstract

This article argues that a key driver of the populist right’s success is its ability to position itself as the primary defender of individual freedoms. While traditionally associated with authoritarianism, the far right has effectively co-opted the language of liberty, portraying itself as the last bastion of free speech, bodily autonomy, and national sovereignty against an intrusive and oppressive liberal elite. This rhetorical strategy enables far-right movements to attract a broader spectrum of voters, including those who may not fully align with authoritarian populist ideals but feel alienated by progressive politics. The article discusses five principles to challenge the far-right movement's narratives.

Item Type:	Article
Title in English:	The Rise of the Authoritarian Populist Right: The Illiberal Defenders of Freedom?
Keywords in English:	populism, far-right, authoritarianism, illiberalism, populist rhetoric
Subjects:	J Political Science > JA Political science (General)
Divisions:	Institute for Political Science
Research funder:	European Union (EU), MORES project, grant no. 101132601
Depositing User:	Enikő Meiszterics
Date Deposited:	02 Nov 2025 22:01
Last Modified:	03 Nov 2025 14:05
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URI:	https://openarchive.tk.mta.hu/id/eprint/651

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