The Nazi roots of today's global far-right movements

The conviction of far-right figure Marine Le Pen has thrown her National Rally (RN) party into turmoil. She was sentenced to four years in prison and banned from public office for five years, a ruling that could stop her from running in the 2027 presidential election. Once deeply controversial, the RN has gained popularity in recent years as it seeks to distance itself from its troubled past.

Anti right wing protesters shout slogans and hold banners that read "Nazis Out of the Parliament" outside the parliament building, in Vienna, Austria, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, after polls closed in the country's national election. AP - Andreea Alexandru

The National Rally, formerly the National Front, has a complex history, having transformed from a party once openly sympathetic to Nazi ideologies into one that now seeks broader legitimacy, including forging alliances with pro-Israeli groups – a strategic shift aimed at expanding its appeal.

This evolution mirrors wider trends among far-right movements across Europe and the United States, where such groups have sought to rebrand themselves in pursuit of mainstream acceptance.

RFI’s Jan van der Made speaks with Nafeez Ahmed, author of Alt Reich, which explores the dark origins of many contemporary far-right movements.