Notes on the “New Right”: aspects of their trajectory and different appreciations of the concept

Abstract

This work aims to present a brief discussion on the concept of “new right-wing” movements. Although the term has gained popularity among the media and on social networks—often adopting the self-image constructed by certain sectors of the right as valid —the focus here is on how social scientists have characterized specific movements, parties, and political actors situated within the right-wing spectrum. More specifically, the privileged approaches developed by Latin American authors. Chronologically, I establish as a starting point the evaluation of works produced from 1970 onward, a turning point marked by the work of José Luis Romero. His contribution was pioneering not only for addressing right-wing politics in the region, but also for his use of the concept itself. The mapping will first seek to present the different conceptions that underpin and justify the use of the term. Next, I develop a certain relativization of these perspectives regarding the unexpected character that these right-wing forces present. Finally, I highlight some works that, through the use of certain terms, emphasize continuity rather than rupture in the trajectory of these actors-groups-parties. Although several studies have questioned the concept, little has been produced in terms of a broader balance of the different understandings of the New Right. It should be noted that this is not intended as an exhaustive survey, but rather as reflections based on the bibliography I have engaged with since the early stages of the research project I am currently developing, which addresses lived culture and produced culture as arenas of political struggle in Latin America.