The Aesthetic Allure of the Far Right: How to Respond?
Many different factors explain the rising tide of far right politics around the world, with their differing importance the subject of ongoing debate. One that has been the object of considerable study historically is what Walter Benjamin famously called ‘the introduction of aesthetics into political life’ - the way such movements attract political support by producing powerful feelings and sensations in their supporters through spectacle and performance, rather than through more traditional forms of persuasion.
But despite this well established link, the aesthetic dimension of far-right political appeal still seems significantly neglected in how progressive political entities consider the best ways to respond, with many efforts still centred on rational policy arguments, or deconstruction of the many logical inconsistencies in such parties’ positions. Why is this, and what should we do about it? What can progressive movements learn from the aesthetic allure of the far right?
To discuss this, Future Narratives Lab is bringing together a panel of experts, including:
Juliet Jacques - writer, filmmaker and cultural critic
Max Read - award winning journalist, screenwriter, and author of popular technology/culture newsletter Read Max
Nadia Meeran, Senior Manager at 411, a Digital Communications Agency working with Progressive politicians and political parties around the world
We will discuss questions including:
What elements of the right’s approach could be learnt from or even replicated by progressives, without compromising core values and principles?
Artists and creatives are often expected to be more progressive in their political positions. What then explains the failure of progressive politics - from the more radical to the moderate - to generate this same aesthetic appeal?
How has the rise of AI art both facilitated and exposed the aesthetic approach of far right movements?
In the weeks ahead of the event we will be inviting discussion of other questions across our social channels.
About Future Narratives Lab
Future Narratives Lab is a non-profit research & development organisation that supports civil society and social movements across the world to understand and shape narratives. We partner with organisations tackling entrenched and complex social challenges to conduct research, carry out training, and design new strategies and programmes.