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15 - Foro Madrid and the Transnationalization of the Far-Right

from Part III - International Dimensions of the Struggle Between Democracy and Autocracy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2025

By
Stefano Palestini  and
Cristóbal Rovira Kaltwasser
Edited by
Valerie J. Bunce ,
Thomas B. Pepinsky ,
Rachel Beatty Riedl  and
Kenneth M. Roberts
Valerie J. Bunce
Affiliation:
Cornell University, New York
Thomas B. Pepinsky
Affiliation:
Cornell University, New York
Rachel Beatty Riedl
Affiliation:
Cornell University, New York
Kenneth M. Roberts
Affiliation:
Cornell University, New York
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Summary

The rise of the far-right is a global phenomenon connected with the erosion of liberal democracy, especially in Europe and North America. It is not surprising that scholars are paying increasing attention to the ideas defended by the far-right and the factors that help to explain its electoral support. However, most research tends to focus on individual countries or regions, neglecting cross-regional perspectives crucial for understanding the diffusion of far-right ideas and political strategies. To fill this void, this contribution delves into the Foro Madrid, a novel transnational advocacy network primarily composed of far-right political entities. Spearheaded by VOX, a Spanish populist radical right party, the Foro Madrid seeks to forge an alliance between Europe and Latin America to counterbalance perceived leftist influences. By analyzing the Foro Madrid’s rhetoric and strategies, the chapter aims to demonstrate a deliberate dissemination of far-right ideas from north to south. The empirical findings shed light on this diffusion process and its potential ramifications for liberal democracy. Moreover, the chapter reflects on the implications of this dissemination, contemplating its impact on liberal democratic norms and structures.

Keywords

Foro MadridVoxdemocracydiffusion; far-righttransnational advocacy networks
Type
Chapter
Information
Global Challenges to Democracy
Comparative Perspectives on Backsliding, Autocracy, and Resilience
 , pp. 296 - 316
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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