The rise of the far-right and the erosion of social justice by Edoardo Moretti

The election of Donald Trump as the new U.S. President signals more than just a political shift, it represents the latest chapter in a growing global trend: the rise of the far-right and the systematic dismantling of social justice. With this surge, the very foundations of democracy in the Western world are being eroded. The far-right’s ascent is not an accident; it is a deliberate, well-orchestrated movement that feeds on fear, disinformation, and the weakening of progressive values.

Donald Trump’s return to power is not an isolated event. It is the culmination of years of political radicalization, where xenophobia, racism, and authoritarian tendencies have been repackaged as ‘populism.’ His rhetoric has always been one of division: the demonization of immigrants, the vilification of the press, and the undermining of democratic institutions. The damage inflicted during his first term was profound, and his second tenure only promises a deeper entrenchment of his authoritarian ambitions.

From day one, Trump has aligned himself with nationalist movements across the world, giving them legitimacy and emboldening their agendas. Whether through his praise of autocratic leaders or his relentless attacks on marginalized communities, his influence extends far beyond the borders of the United States. His presidency provides an alibi for far-right movements in Europe, Latin America, and beyond, validating their calls for stricter immigration policies, aggressive nationalism, and the rolling back of hard-fought human rights.

Social justice has long been the backbone of any true democracy. It ensures that all citizens, regardless of race, gender, or economic status, are afforded equal rights and opportunities. However, in the far-right playbook, social justice is the enemy, a “woke” ideology that must be crushed to maintain traditional power structures.

Trump and his allies have weaponized cultural grievances to turn the working class against itself, convincing many that policies aimed at promoting equality are actually tools of oppression. They frame efforts to address systemic racism as an attack on white identity, LGBTQ+ rights as a perversion of traditional values, and economic fairness as socialism. This strategy is effective because it appeals to fear and resentment rather than facts.

Meanwhile, policies that benefit the wealthy and corporations flourish under the guise of economic nationalism. The very people who believe Trump is fighting for them are left behind while billionaires get tax cuts and social services are gutted. The decline of unions, the attack on public education, and the rollback of workers' rights all serve to weaken the collective power of the people while enriching the elite.

A free press is a cornerstone of democracy, yet it has been under relentless assault by Trump and the global far-right. The tactic is simple: delegitimize journalists, label anything inconvenient as ‘fake news,’ and flood the information space with disinformation. This war on truth creates a disoriented and paranoid populace, one that is more susceptible to conspiracy theories and demagoguery.

Social media platforms, rather than curbing the spread of lies, have become breeding grounds for radicalization. Algorithms favor sensationalism over accuracy, meaning that false narratives about immigration, crime, and the ‘deep state’ thrive. By discrediting traditional media and replacing it with hyper-partisan outlets, the far-right has built an ecosystem where objective reality is a matter of political affiliation rather than facts.

Trump’s victory is not just an American problem; it is a warning sign for the entire Western world. His success emboldens figures like Viktor Orbán in Hungary, Marine Le Pen in France, and Giorgia Meloni in Italy, who share his disdain for democratic norms and progressive values. It gives cover to oppressive regimes, allowing them to justify their own crackdowns on dissent and civil liberties.

The consequences of this shift extend beyond politics. Climate action is stalled as nationalist leaders scoff at international cooperation. Human rights abuses go unchecked as authoritarian regimes feel less pressure from the West. Global instability grows as alliances fracture and militarism resurges.

Despite the grim outlook, democracy is not dead yet. Resistance to authoritarianism exists, but it requires action. Voter engagement, grassroots organizing, and the defense of institutions are crucial. Social justice movements must adapt and counter the far-right’s tactics with clarity, unity, and unwavering commitment to truth.

The alternative is bleak. If Trump’s return signals anything, it is that the far-right is not just knocking on the door, it has stepped inside, determined to reshape the world in its image. Democracy’s survival depends on whether those who value it are willing to fight for it before it is too late.