American Far Right Draws Unlikely Inspiration from Franco

A growing fascination among certain factions of the American far right with the legacy of Francisco Franco has emerged, reflecting a complex intertwining of contemporary authoritarian movements and historical precedents. This reverence for the late Spanish dictator, who ruled for 35 years following the Spanish Civil War, highlights a troubling connection between current political figures and past oppressive regimes.

The relationship between the American far right, often symbolized by former President Donald Trump, and European counterparts reveals a cyclical dynamic. Activists and political leaders in Europe continue to draw inspiration from Trump, even as his influence appears to wane. This fixation is complicated by a lack of understanding of the historical and political contexts that shape these figures and their ideologies.

Recent commentary from Dan Kaufman in the New York Review of Books underscores a renewed admiration for Franco among American right-wingers. Kaufman reviews Paul Preston’s latest work, which explores the brutal realities of Franco’s regime. This analysis sparks reflections on how Franco’s authoritarian tactics resonate with some elements of the American political landscape today.

As Elon Musk engages in controversial support for figures like Tommy Robinson, known for his far-right views in Britain, the repercussions of such associations have been met with skepticism. Musk’s interventions in foreign political matters, including Germany’s electoral landscape, have not yielded the desired impact, drawing criticism for their naivety.

In Europe, leaders like Viktor Orbán in Hungary maintain ties to the Trumpian right. Orbán’s government has transformed Hungary into a one-party state, while his attempts to balance relationships with both Trump and Vladimir Putin have left the country increasingly isolated. As the Hungarian regime faces internal challenges, its alignment with far-right ideologies only amplifies concerns about the erosion of democratic principles.

The parallels drawn between Trump and historical figures like Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini are both striking and contentious. Critics have noted that Trump’s rise to power has evoked memories of the early 20th-century fascist movements. Kaufman’s references to Joachim Fest’s biography of Hitler illustrate how both figures have been underestimated by their contemporaries, leading to significant political upheaval.

Franco’s legacy, albeit different in execution, offers a framework for understanding some contemporary far-right ideologies in the U.S. His regime was characterized by a ruthless suppression of dissent and a reassertion of traditional values, appealing to those who long for a return to perceived societal order. This desire for dominance echoes in the rhetoric of modern political figures who look to Franco as a model for maintaining control in tumultuous times.

While Franco may not align perfectly with Trump in demeanor or capabilities, his authoritarian legacy serves as a cautionary tale. The admiration for such figures among current political leaders raises vital questions about the direction of American conservatism and its implications for democracy.

As the far right continues to draw from historical sources, the lessons of the past serve as a reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions. The resurgence of admiration for figures like Franco within the context of modern politics invites scrutiny and demands vigilance against the potential for history to repeat itself.