Far right and the environment: Key themes of ‘ecofascism’

The far right’s engagement with and possible connections to environmentalism have had increased academic attention in recent years, according to Jonathan Olson’s republished book Nature and Nationalism (2024). This interest started with a first generation of scholars in the 1980s and 1990s, and now a second generation has emerged more recently.

However, despite this, the study of what is sometimes described as ‘ecofascism’ is still a relatively small field, and deserves greater academic interest, especially as climate crisis is becoming ever more relevant as well as a general rise in the far right.

What is eco-fascism?

One approach to defining ecofascism is put forward by Kristy Campion in the journal article Defining Ecofascism, published in 2023. She claims that eco-fascism is a ‘reactionary and revolutionary ideology that champions the regeneration of an imagined community through a return to a romanticised, ethnopluralist vision of the natural order’.

Ethnopluralism is a far-right idea that ethnic identities are equal and should be able to exist, but only in distinct locations, and therefore each identity should exclude outsiders. Ecofascists often base national belonging on racial terms, then make privileged claims on land and territory. This connection to the land romanticises a mystical past, one in which society was in harmony with nature and was strong as a result. The past is the alleged opposite of their contemporary period, with eco-fascists often believing that modernity and industrialism have weakened their ecology and society.

Far-right Ecologism?

However, not all academics agree with the use of the term ecofascism. Both Balsa Lubarda and Graham Macklin have made arguments that term doesn’t allow for a full exploration of the far right’s wide responses and discourses on the environment. Alex Roberts and Sam Moore’s book The Rise of Ecofascism, uses any attempt to produce racial hierarchies in or through nature as ‘Far-right Ecologism’ as an alternative to ecofascism, however this may be too broad a term.

Common Themes

Finally, these are some common themes that can be found in far-right groups that have an environmental element.

• National identity: The definition of ecofascism above shows that national identity and belonging is viewed under racial terms. They often push a romanticised version of the rural landscape, idolising the countryside. These groups may also hold claim or display a spiritual connection to the landscape and nation, often claiming that their ethnic group is connected to the land.
• Immigration and Pollution: The far right often associates ‘outsiders’ as polluting the natural environment and nation.
• Animal rights: The far right often has opinions on animal rights, however it often has racist tones to them. Far right groups often attack religious Halal and Kosher slaughter practices, often using language that ‘others’ religious groups. They may well have legitimate concerns around animal welfare and rights, but they are often used as more ways to ‘other’ and criticise religious and non-white ethnic groups. It has also been used in national identity building by linking their treatment of animals to how ‘civilised’ they are.
• Eco-authoritarian: Authoritarian responses are often a feature in eco-fascism. This is an anti-democratic response to solve environmental and ecological crisis.

Luke Adams

Luke Adams is a PhD researcher in at the University of Northampton. His work focuses on the history of how British far right politicians have developed ecological themes in their political activism.