What's happened
The upcoming Jerusalem conference will feature far-right speakers from Europe and Brazil, with increased U.S. engagement. The event faces criticism over invited figures with controversial histories, but organizers claim the guest list is more moderate than last year amid broader European nationalist trends.
What's behind the headline?
The conference exemplifies a strategic alliance between Israel, the U.S., and European far-right parties, driven by shared nationalist and anti-immigration agendas. The inclusion of figures like Santiago Abascal and Jimmie Åkesson, alongside U.S. officials, indicates a normalization of these groups within broader political discourse. This alignment risks legitimizing parties with histories of racism and antisemitism, potentially emboldening their influence in Europe. The U.S. support, as evidenced by meetings with AfD representatives, underscores a shift toward backing populist nationalist movements, which could reshape European political landscapes and challenge traditional liberal democracies. The careful vetting of conference guests suggests an awareness of past controversies, but the underlying trend of increased far-right cooperation remains significant, with possible long-term implications for regional stability and international relations.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that the conference will feature speakers from nationalist parties in Spain, France, Sweden, Belgium, and Brazil, with some Jewish leaders boycotting last year's event due to controversial figures. The Japan Times highlights the growing support for the German AfD among U.S. officials, including meetings with party members since the release of the U.S. National Security Strategy, which promotes backing 'patriotic European parties.' Politico details the presence of far-right figures at the New York Young Republican Club gala, including members of the AfD and white nationalist influencers, amid protests from Democratic officials. The same outlet notes that U.S. officials, such as Sarah Rogers, have engaged directly with AfD representatives, signaling official backing. Reuters emphasizes the international nature of these gatherings, with European far-right leaders expressing a desire to reclaim national identities and criticizing Europe's current political trajectory, framing U.S. support as part of a broader strategy to influence European politics.
How we got here
The conference, organized by Israel's Diaspora Affairs Ministry, aims to counter antisemitism by inviting nationalist figures from Europe and beyond. Last year’s event faced protests from Jewish leaders over the presence of controversial politicians linked to antisemitic histories. The U.S. has increasingly aligned with European nationalist parties, viewing them as allies against what it perceives as threats to free speech and national sovereignty.
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