International Relations in the Contemporary World. Geopolitics and Diplomacy

Abstract

During the last few years, extremist right-wing parties in European countries have found considerable popularity. In comparison with the past, they have achieved more seats in the European Parliament. Meanwhile, their slogans and policies are reminiscent of fascist ideals in the first half of the twentieth century. Before such seizing power, Europe was faced to the global financial crisis in 2007; the event which had considerable effects on politics and economics in Europe, such as the emergence of reformist and protesting movements. With regard to the consequences of the emergence of this trend in Europe on Iran's national security, its impact on the relations between Iran and Europe in the future and the opportunities and threats that will follow, the authors of this paper are aimed to examine the origins and consequences of this issue of power. Theoretically, the framework of the Frankfurt school is taken into consideration in response to how fascism rose in Europe, the financial crisis in the capitalist system and the lack of sufficient strength to deal with it. Thereby, inefficiency and insecurity in the economy lead the society to the extreme right tendencies and provides the groundwork for the formation of fascist states. According to this theory, European governments have not been successful in handling the economic crisis during 2007 - 2009 and the failure resulted in increased popularity of extremist right parties. Also, as the disability of European governments in dealing and controlling the effects of the economic crisis continues, the extrem right tendencies will obscure the future life of European Union.