No Pasaran online event: Solidarity, analysis, action – how we fight the far right

The last decade has seen the accelerating rise of the far-right globally, in its biggest upsurge since the 1930s. It has taken different political forms in different countries but presents a real threat to our democracy and diverse communities wherever it is to be found. From street attacks and mobilisations to government office, they use Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, xenophobia and racism to spread hate and fear. They attack trade unionists and the left, and the rights and liberties of us all; the onslaught on women’s rights in particular has been a notable factor. For four years they received an enormous boost from the Trump White House, becoming increasingly internationalised, well-funded and well-organised. While Trump’s defeat is a setback for the far right, there is no doubt that Trumpism continues; its increasing paramilitary orientation, fake news and anti-fact approach presents an enormous challenge, particularly in the time of the pandemic. The far right has weaponised the pandemic in its own political interests, and the economic crisis that is running alongside the virus is being exploited by the far right to build its social and political base.