The Global Project Against Hate and Extremism (GPAHE) has released today a groundbreaking report that offers an in-depth analysis of Argentina’s history of racism and antisemitism since the colonial era and explores the disturbing recent emergence of far-right movements that threaten democracy and human rights.
The report, “Far-Right Hate and Extremist Groups in Argentina,” traces the roots of systemic racism to the colonial era, highlighting how policies favoring European migrants over Indigenous, Black, and Jewish communities established a racial hierarchy that persisted well into the 20th century. The report also looks at current developments on the far right which underscore the continuity of exclusionary ideologies that have permeated Argentina’s political and social landscape for centuries and examines their alarming reemergence. It includes detailed profiles of eight influential far-right organizations and their impact on Argentine politics, including their role in political violence. This represents fewer far-right organizations than are found in neighboring Brazil and some European countries.
Argentina is unique in that its societal fabric was significantly shaped by European settlers, particularly from Italy, Spain, and Germany, whose ideologies mirrored the rising fascist and antisemitic sentiments in Europe during the 20th century. This was compounded by the controversial policies of Juan Domingo Perón’s regime, which provided refuge to Nazi war criminals, leaving an indelible mark on Argentina’s historical narrative, alongside bigotry events like the violent repression during the Dirty War in the 1970s.
In recent years, this legacy has found new expression in the rise of Javier Milei and his far-right populist government. Milei’s 2023 election as president marked a significant shift in Argentina’s political landscape, signaling a reconfiguration towards exclusionary nationalism and anti-rights policies. His rhetoric, heavily influenced by global far-right figures and movements, has resonated with a growing segment of the Argentine population, amplifying the country’s long standing issues of bigotry and extremism. Milei’s administration has rolled back protections for LGBTQ+ communities, denied the reality of climate change, and aligned itself with transnational far-right networks, further deepening Argentina’s ideological shift.
“Javier Milei’s government has breathed life into Argentina’s far right. His alignment with global far-right movements that push anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-woman ideologies threatens democracy and human rights and signals a troubling turn away from decades of progress on that front.” Wendy Via, CEO and co-founder of GPAHE, stated.
GPAHE’s report identifies eight active far-right organizations that have gained traction in Argentina. These include neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups, such as the Front Patriota Federal and Bandera Negra, which have been involved in violent activities and the spread of hate propaganda. Additionally, far-right influencers closely linked to Milei’s administration, like “Gordo Dan,” have exploited social media platforms to amplify extremist rhetoric. The research further documents the presence of antisemitic conspiracy theories, such as the Andinia Plan, which continue to circulate within Argentine extremist circles.
“The political shift toward the far right under Milei revives historical patterns of exclusion and intolerance and signal democratic backsliding in the country,” Heidi Beirich, co-founder of GPAHE, noted. “This administration, marked by anti-LGBTQ+, anti-woman, and anti-democratic stances, reflects a disturbing global rise of the far right that endangers the rights of marginalized groups.”
Key findings from the report include:
Historical Continuity of Racism: The colonial legacy of racial and other forms of discrimination in Argentina has evolved through various regimes and remains prevalent today.
Resurgence of the Far-Right: Far-right movements, including those inspired by fascism and antisemitic propaganda, have played a significant role in Argentina’s political history and continue to influence contemporary politics, particularly the rolling back of rights for the LGBTQ+ community and women.
Current Political Climate: The recent election of Javier Milei reflects the global rise of the far right, with a focus on dismantling protections for marginalized groups and undermining democratic institutions.
The legacy of fascism and its modern manifestations pose significant threats not only to Argentina’s democratic institutions but also to global efforts to combat hate and extremism. GPAHE acknowledges that this research may overlook some groups active in the country whose activities are not as public. GPAHE encourages active civic engagement in countering these dangerous ideologies, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in safeguarding human rights in the country. This is the 10th report in a series of country far-right hate and extremist reports published by GPAHE, including Mexico, Brazil, Portugal, Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, Bulgaria and Australia.
