The new right: Ethno-regionalism, ethno-pluralism and the emergence of a neo-fascist 'third way'

This article deals with the ideological evolution of one of the most sophisticated intellectual right-wing groups that appeared in France and Europe during the 1970s. Despite its limited political influence the French New Right has not only shaped the ideological discourse of several right-wing groups in Europe but, paradoxically, has successfully penetrated the discourse of a post-modern Left. This article sheds new light on the synthesis of Right and Left. These ideas are the concept of a differentialist ethno-pluralism which, it is claimed, sets the basis for a right-wing theory of multiculturalism pitted against liberal multiculturalism, and the idea of ethno-regionalism which, it is claimed, provides a social and political content to the concept of right-wing multiculturalism. I demonstrate why and how the idea of cultural differentialism, which the New Right opposes to racial superiority, leads precisely to European assertive-ness and technological superiority. The article also explains why this project is implemented within the framework of an ethno-regional Europe as a response to the liberal 'political and juridical union'. It is argued that precisely this shift to the left, and the new trend towards a Right-Left synthesis, should lead to renewed efforts to analyse whether the Left-Right synthesis that originated fascist ideology in the past can be reproduced, and in what form, in a post-industrial and post-nation-state society.