A Tradition of Racism: The French National Front

Abstract

This essay considers the historical and political development of French far-right sentiment and discourse as encapsulated by the National Front (FN) party today. Focusing on three key areas-anti-Semitism and its political implications, nationalism and the dueling notion of French identity, and the historical myths that augment and legitimate both-I seek to show how the National Front has successfully played upon these traditional, often racist, tendencies to achieve its present electoral success. The problems and insecurities manifested in France today-globalization, immigration, and job security-are, to a degree, the problems of a hundred years ago. The FN advocates a simple, compelling, and above all, consistent answer to these complex issues that appeals to many caught in the identity flux of the 21st century. As long as these problems remain unresolved, the FN will enjoy sizeable support.