Long-Read

The rise and rise of national populism (Part 2 – “Musk’s case of self-radicalisation”)

— 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

The rise and rise of national populism (Part 1 – “Divide and rule”)

— 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

Why the Tories may be wasting their time trying to compete with Reform

— 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 MPs have accidentally knocked out their own man – and reminded voters why they lost the last election

— The Conservatives’ leadership ballot has unexpectedly ousted favourite James Cleverly, leaving right-wing candidates Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick in contention. This outcome underscores party disunity and risks alienating centrist voters.

UK Politics

Dominic Grieve questions Robert Jenrick’s fitness for office over misinformation

— 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

Another election, another round of Nigel Farage hype, with no lessons learned

— 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.

UK Politics

BBC Question Time: Analysis of guests over nine years suggests an overuse of rightwing voices

— The BBC’s Question Time faces scrutiny for potential bias. Our study shows a reliance on right-wing guests, challenging its impartiality claim. Debate on balance persists amidst public service broadcasting norms.

OPINION

Don’t listen to latest Tory claims – Slavery and empire made Britain rich

— A Tory think tank’s book claims Britain’s economic success was due to British genius, dismissing the role of colonialism and slavery. Critics argue it’s politically motivated, ignoring scholarly consensus on colonial impacts.

Politics

How right-wing beliefs shape your view of the past – while left-wingers look to the future

— When right-wing politicians talk of bringing back greatness, they are doing it for a reason.

UK Politics

How seriously should we take a plot to replace Rishi Sunak with Penny Mordaunt? The answer lies in the Tories’ own recent history

— Penny Mordaunt’s potential bid to replace Rishi Sunak in the Conservative Party leadership mirrors past slogans, highlighting Tory uncertainties and leadership challenges.

UK Politics

Climate crisis denier Lee Anderson finds common cause with Reform UK

— 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.

COMMENT

In Portugal and California, two men move from sports to right-wing politics

— In Portugal and the US, sports figures have transitioned to right-wing politics, with right-wing and far-right parties aiming to capitalise on their fame to attract new voters.

Populism

The maths of rightwing populism: Easy answers + confidence = reassuring certainty

— 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.

Right-Wing Politics

Five signs that you might be rightwing

— A study challenges stereotypes by identifying five traits associated with right-wing views. Beliefs about the world, genes, and environment contribute to being right-wing.

COMMENT

Rishi Sunak and Giorgia Meloni’s Rome tryst on migration

— The UK media sensationalised a political meeting between Rishi Sunak and Giorgia Meloni, labelling it a “love-burst”. Instead, the event in Rome focused on migration controls and blurred lines between the Conservative and far-right politicians.

OPINION

The normalisation of fascism

— The Tory government enforces stringent visa rules for UK citizens bringing foreign spouses, disproportionately affecting families and increasing NHS fees. Despite this, a Tory rebellion aims for stricter immigration policies, considering Boris Johnson’s return and Nigel Farage’s involvement.