In recent years, the world has watched with growing concern as far-right populist movements have gained traction in democracies across the globe. The most prominent and influential of these is undoubtedly the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement in the United States. Its blend of nationalism, authoritarian rhetoric, and challenging of democratic institutions has not only reshaped American politics but has also emboldened similar movements elsewhere. Now, there are alarming signs that this brand of politics is finding fertile ground in Australia, as evidenced by the increasing normalization of the One Nation party.



A recent analysis published by The New Daily sheds light on a disturbing trend in Australian politics: the mainstreaming of Pauline Hanson's One Nation. The article points to the Coalition's strategic decision to exchange preferences with One Nation as a key factor in this normalization. This is not merely a tactical maneuver; it is a significant shift in the political landscape that risks legitimizing views that were once considered on the fringe of acceptable discourse. As the article notes, this move is comparable to the rise of right-wing populism in other parts of the world, and it has the potential to increase the number of One Nation representatives in parliament.



The parallels between this development and the rise of MAGA in the United States are stark and deeply concerning. Just as the MAGA movement has normalized rhetoric that was previously considered unacceptable, the mainstreaming of One Nation threatens to do the same in Australia. Both movements thrive on exploiting social divisions, promoting a sense of grievance among certain segments of the population, and often using language that is divisive and exclusionary. The creeping fascism of MAGA is characterized by an erosion of trust in democratic institutions, a disdain for established norms, and a willingness to use inflammatory language to mobilize supporters. These are all elements that we are now seeing in the Australian context.



The danger of normalizing a party like One Nation lies not just in the immediate policy outcomes, but in the long-term damage to the fabric of our democracy. By bringing One Nation into the fold, the Coalition is effectively signaling that their views are within the bounds of legitimate political debate. This can have a profound impact on public discourse, making it more acceptable to express prejudiced or discriminatory views. It also undermines the idea of a multicultural and inclusive Australia, a principle that has been central to the nation's identity for decades.



The article from The New Daily warns that the Coalition's embrace of One Nation could lead to a scenario where the far-right holds the balance of power in the Senate. This would give them disproportionate influence over legislation and policy, potentially pulling the country in a more illiberal direction. We have already seen in the US how a determined and well-organized far-right faction can exercise significant power, even when they do not represent the majority of the population. The prospect of a similar dynamic playing out in Australia is one that should concern all citizens who value democracy, tolerance, and social cohesion.



The normalization of One Nation is not an isolated incident; it is part of a broader global trend of democratic backsliding. The "creeping fascism" of movements like MAGA is often subtle at first, manifesting in shifts in language, the gradual erosion of norms, and the strategic alliances between mainstream parties and far-right groups. It is crucial that we recognize these warning signs for what they are. The acceptance of One Nation as a legitimate political partner is a significant step down a dangerous path.



It is incumbent upon all of us to be vigilant and to actively resist these trends. This means holding our political leaders accountable for the alliances they make and the rhetoric they use. It means speaking out against hate and division whenever we see it. And it means actively participating in the democratic process to ensure that the voices of tolerance and inclusion are louder than those of prejudice and exclusion. The normalization of the far-right is not inevitable, but it requires a concerted effort to stop it. We must not allow the creeping fascism that has infected other democracies to take root in Australia. The future of our democracy depends on our willingness to stand up and say, "No more."

$NOFASCISM

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