When Silence Becomes Complicity
TINA JOHNSON, HOST LET´S TALK DEMOCRACY
The rise of the far right in political arenas across Europe and the United States should, without question, cause alarm. But what should cause even greater alarm is the number of people who openly—and more disturbingly, quietly—support these ideologies. Those who nod in silent agreement, those who say nothing at all, and those who believe it's "not that bad."
The challenge isn't just confronting the loud voices in rallies; it’s confronting a political shift that thrives in silence and shadows as much as it does in headlines.
A Global Trend, Not a Local Fluke
This is not a series of isolated events. From the United States to Western Europe and even the typically stable Nordic countries, the far right is experiencing a coordinated, global shift.
The MAGA movement in the U.S. has not faded; it has intensified, infiltrating local governments and online echo chambers that fuel extremism. But this isn't solely an American story. Across Europe, the far right is rising to become a major player:
Germany: The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is a serious political contender.
France: Marine Le Pen’s party is no longer a fringe voice.
Sweden: The Sweden Democrats, a party with neo-Nazi roots, are now helping to shape government policy.
Norway: The anti-immigration Progress Party nearly doubled its share of the vote from 2021 in the September 8, 2025 election, landing at approximately 23.9%. This made it the second-largest party nationwide after the Labor Party, reflecting growing frustration over immigration, cost of living, and energy policies even in one of the world’s most stable democracies.
The Overton Window—the range of ideas considered politically acceptable—is shifting. Far-right ideas that once lived on the fringes are being normalized, turning scapegoating into national policy. This requires an urgent and collective refusal to stay silent while democracy is slowly hollowed out from within.
The Dangerous Comfort of Silence
We often imagine extremism as loud, violent, and obvious. But more often, it rises through quiet approval.
The phrases that should truly alarm us are:
“I don’t agree with everything they say… but they tell it like it is.”
“I’m not racist—but I’m just concerned about all this immigration.”
“I stay out of politics.”
These aren't fringe comments. These are things we hear every day. And every time we don’t push back—every time we stay silent to “keep the peace”—we give space for dangerous ideologies to grow.
Silence is not neutral. It’s participation. History, especially the history of the 20th century, tells us exactly where that leads.
Why the Center and Left Are Losing Ground
The far right is winning because it speaks in emotion, identity, and simplicity. It offers a clear scapegoat and a sense of righteous victimhood to people who feel alienated, ignored, or afraid.
In contrast, progressives often speak in policy, compromise, and bullet points. But when people feel confused or alone, emotions win.
Furthermore, too many moderates stay quiet, hoping not to stir conflict. They prioritize politeness over courage. But democracy doesn't survive through politeness; it survives through conviction. We can't out-policy authoritarianism—we have to out-believe it with stronger values and louder voices.
What We Can—and Must—Do
This is not just politics. This is a moral emergency.
Name It When You See It: Far-right ideology doesn’t always wear a swastika. It often shows up as "concern about immigration" or "traditional values." Call it what it is—xenophobia, white nationalism, authoritarianism—even when it's dressed in polite language. Ask: “What you're saying echoes language used by far-right groups. Is that your intention?” Interrupt the comfort.
Speak Up in Everyday Spaces: It's essential to speak up in family conversations, at the office, and in community meetings. If we only speak up in activist spaces, we’re preaching to the choir. Push against the narrative that politics is taboo in “polite company.”
Normalize Political Literacy: The far right thrives when people don’t understand how power works. We need to make civic education, media literacy, and historical context part of everyday conversations. Share resources that expose authoritarian movements and teach the signs of democratic backsliding.
Reach the "Moveable Middle": Not everyone flirting with far-right ideas is fully radicalized. Some are scared or feel left behind. Rather than shaming them, engage with curiosity. Ask, “What makes you feel that way?” Change comes from relationships and curiosity, not just from debates.
Organize—Not Just React: Silence fills the space where proactive organizing is missing. This means running for office (even at the local level), supporting independent media, and building cross-racial, cross-class alliances. Fund the boring but essential stuff like voter registration and civic infrastructure.
Build a Culture Where Courage Is Contagious: People stay silent because they fear being alone. Show them they’re not. If you speak up, you give permission to others to do the same.
Final Thought
Extremism doesn’t just rise in violence. It rises in shrugs, in "I don’t want to get into it," and in the belief that "It’s just politics."
But politics is personal. Politics is people.
Democracy doesn’t die in one moment. It dies in millions of small moments when people stay silent. Don't be one of them.
What are you tolerating—that should not be tolerated? What are you letting slide—because it’s easier to say nothing?
Silence is what the far right is counting on.
