# The Transnational Far Right – Hate, Vigilantism, and the Mainstreaming of Extremism

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/explaining-history-7091240/the-transnational-far-right-hate-vigilantism-and-the-mainstreaming-of-extremism
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/explaining-history-7091240/the-transnational-far-right-hate-vigilantism-and-the-mainstreaming-of-extremism.md
Podcast: [Explaining History](https://stenobird.com/podcast/explaining-history-7091240)
Published: 2026-04-16T10:39:21+00:00
Episode link: http://explaininghistory.org
Audio file: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/acast/s/explaininghistory/e/69e0bc5923929c3a2aae0dd8/media.mp3
Processing state: processed
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/explaining-history-7091240/episodes/the-transnational-far-right-hate-vigilantism-and-the-mainstreaming-of-extremism
Duration seconds: 2420

## Resource

**In this episode of the Explaining History Podcast, we are joined by Wendy Via of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism – a former Southern Poverty Law Center staffer – to discuss a new report on the transnational activities of far-right and anti-migrant groups around the world.** We often think of hate and xenophobia as local phenomena, but just like organised violence, the far‑right has become increasingly internationalised. The internet, political crises, and economic uncertainty have allowed extremist groups to learn from one another, share strategies, and normalise ideas that were once relegated to the fringes. Wendy explains how the movement has become more sophisticated in its branding. Neo‑Nazis still exist, but they no longer openly quote *Mein Kampf*. Instead, they speak of "protecting our culture" and "saving our families". The "great replacement" conspiracy theory – once confined to obscure writers – is now pushed by politicians and mainstream commentators, giving cover to unspoken reactionary ideas. We explore the alarming mainstreaming of far‑right politics. In Britain, the Conservative Party has moved from ostracising Enoch Powell to rehabilitating his ideas. In the United States, Trump’s open demonisation of Mexican immigrants – "they’re rapists" – did not end his campaign; it became a template for others. Across Europe, Latin America, and beyond, leaders have taken cues from Trump, turning immigration into an existential threat. The report also examines the rise of vigilante groups – self‑appointed militias patrolling borders and neighbourhoods. While there is no single centralised command, these groups communicate constantly, learning from each other’s tactics. Political leaders who call immigrants "the enemy" provide implicit encouragement,…

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## Transcript

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