Long-Read
— Elon Musk’s self-radicalisation stems from his reliance on X’s algorithm-curated feed, which amplified far-right narratives, creating a feedback loop that entrenched his beliefs and shaped his radical political discourse.
Long-Read
— National populism, fuelled by media-backed disinformation, anti-immigrant rhetoric, and libertarian ideologies, threatens democracies globally by eroding institutions, fostering fear, and exploiting divisions.
UK Politics
— Reform UK’s membership has surged to over 100,000, overtaking the Conservatives. A new study reveals a predominantly older, middle-class, and online-savvy base deeply aligned with Nigel Farage’s populist leadership and right-wing values.
OPINION
— Higher energy bills mark 2025, alongside discontent with Labour’s unfulfilled promises and Keir Starmer’s declining popularity. Rising far-right influence threatens Westminster, bolstering Scottish independence momentum amid political dissatisfaction.
Elections 2025
— Elections in 2025 will feature critical contests across Belarus, Germany, the Philippines, Canada, and Chile, shaped by themes like inflation, populism, and geopolitical tensions. The outcomes will test the political stability in these countries.
Analysis
— UK farmers have protested inheritance tax changes and financial pressures, resisting radical-right co-option. Distrust in government and tensions over net-zero targets risk escalating unless sustainable, fair solutions are implemented.
Far-Right
— Far-right independent Călin Georgescu leads Romania’s presidential race after leveraging TikTok for propaganda and controversial appeals. Allegations of bot-driven manipulation and pro-Putin stances heighten the stakes for next week’s decisive vote.
COMMENT
— Donald Trump appears inspired by Argentina’s Javier Milei, whose extreme state-shrinking measures include deep budget cuts and dismantling ministries. While admired by some, the “Argentine recipe” may not suit America.
UK Politics
— The Reform Party did not significantly undermine the Conservative vote in the last general election. In fact, both parties drew support from different demographic groups and were electoral allies rather than rivals.
Conservative Leadership Contest
— Tory MP Kemi Badenoch recently sparked debate by claiming she “became working class” while working at McDonald’s – despite her middle-class roots, seemingly to resonate with working-class voters and reflect Britain’s shifting class perceptions.
UK Politics
— The Conservative leadership candidates face challenges akin to those of Silvio Berlusconi and Boris Johnson, whose media-driven, populist approaches ultimately yielded limited progress and lasting controversy.
UK Politics
— Dominic Grieve has sharply criticised Robert Jenrick’s video on the European Convention on Human Rights, accusing him of misleading the public, misrepresenting legal principles, and promoting dangerous rhetoric that should disqualify him from high office.
2024 General Election
— Nigel Farage, never elected to the House of Commons, is again shaping the UK agenda. Despite low electoral success, media hype, and mainstream elites bolster his far-right influence, diverting attention from crucial issues.
Climate Change
— A controversial right-wing conference in Brussels, sponsored by a Hungarian think tank funded by fossil fuels, faced shutdown by police due to safety concerns. The event included prominent climate change sceptics and right-wing politicians, including Nigel Farage and Suella Braverman.
UK Politics
— Tory MP Lee Anderson, suspended from the Conservative Party, joins Reform UK, a climate science denial party. He opposes net zero policies, supports fossil fuels, and works with GB News, known for climate denial.
Populism
— Right-wing populists thrive by simplifying messages in a noisy information landscape. Communication theory elucidates how misinformation polarises society, favouring certainty over complexity, especially on the political right.
