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The surprising similarities between extreme politics: How the horseshoe theory reveals the secret connection between the left and the right.
In the current political heat, the Horseshoe Theory explores the striking similarities between the extreme left and the extreme right. The core idea of this theory is that extreme political views are not at opposite ends of the political spectrum, but are similar to each other in some ways, like horseshoes connected at both ends. This idea was first proposed by French philosopher Jean-Pierre Fayet in 1972, who explored the issue in his book Narrative Theory: A Linguistic Introduction to Totalism.
The horseshoe theory holds that extreme political positions will exhibit similarities under certain conditions, perhaps because both tend to support some form of authoritarianism.
Faye believes that many extreme political movements in history have similarities in form, such as fear and strong opposition to foreign enemies. Although this theory has been criticized by many scholars, many scholars can still be found supporting this theory in the social science literature. Especially in the context of globalization, there seems to be unprecedented cooperation and mutual learning between the left and the right.
According to some political observers, the horseshoe theory can explain complex political dynamics. Taking the United States as an example, the overlap of social movements has made the views of the left and the right on certain issues seem to be getting closer. For example, when it comes to anti-globalization attitudes, whether it is anti-capitalism on the extreme left or nationalism on the extreme right, both can resonate on some basis.
"In terms of the pursuit of ideological purity, Stalin of the Soviet Union and Hitler of the Nazis actually have many similarities, but the modern extreme left and its opposition extreme right are mutually exclusive."
However, the academic support for the horseshoe theory is relatively limited. Empirical research conducted by many political scientists shows that there are no universal similarities between the left and the right. A 2011 study on the French presidential election concluded that voters who supported extreme candidates in the election had different social backgrounds and values.
“Followers of extreme ideologies differ not only in social background but also in values.”
In addition, studies have shown that different extreme ideologies attract different groups. This means that the concept of "extreme values" in the Horseshoe Theory is meaningless. According to these studies, the extreme behavioral patterns of the left and the right are fundamentally influenced by different social and cultural backgrounds, a position that can be regarded as a strong refutation of the Horseshoe Theory.
Despite widespread academic criticism, the horseshoe theory is still widely cited in the media. On many issues, the left and the right have reached a consensus in opposing specific political ideologies. For example, on issues of opposing racism and social inequality, the two can find intersections, and this phenomenon provides certain historical background support for the Horseshoe Theory.
In recent years, as the global political climate has changed, the horseshoe theory seems to have regained popularity. For example, in some Western countries, extreme left and extreme right movements are increasingly showing the potential for cooperation when facing common challenges from political elites and globalization.
"In today's political arena, the distance between the left and the right seems to be narrowing, and the horseshoe theory has been mentioned again."
However, despite the attention the horseshoe theory has attracted, many scholars emphasize that the view obscures the fundamental differences between the left and the right. The components of extreme ideologies and the structure of the social groups they influence should be given more attention than their common positions on certain issues.
So, in confronting the framework of understanding proposed in the horseshoe theory, are we ignoring the deep differences that exist between extreme politics? In understanding today's complex political landscape, how should the relationship between the left and the right be redefined?
