ABSTRACT

This book examines the recent development of the far right in Britain, with a particular focus on the British National Party (BNP) the most electorally successful far right party in British history. It brings fresh perspectives to our understanding of the BNP in order to make a significant contribution to scholarly debate on the nature of far right extremism both nationally and internationally.

The book is significantly different from other literature in the field primarily because of its focus on three important yet underdeveloped themes, which are reflected in the structure of the book itself. These are:

  • the ideological and cultural politics of contemporary BNP
  • responses to the BNP
  • the BNP’s place within the contemporary domestic and international far-right milieu.

Written by an outstanding line-up of renowned experts in this field, this is essential reading for all those with an interest in British politics, fascism, political parties, race relations and extremism.

chapter |16 pages

Introduction

Contemporary perspectives on the British National Party

part I|62 pages

Ideological and cultural politics

part II|84 pages

Responses to the BNP

chapter 4|22 pages

‘The Media = Lies, Lies, Lies!’

The BNP and the media in contemporary Britain

chapter 5|20 pages

Ambivalent Admiration?

The response of other extreme-right groups to the rise of the BNP

chapter 6|19 pages

From Direct Action to Community Action

The changing dynamics of anti-fascist opposition

chapter 7|21 pages

The BNP in Local Government

Support for the far-right or for community politics? 1

part III|75 pages

International perspectives

chapter 8|25 pages

Assessing the Political Relevance of Anti-Immigrant Parties

The BNP in comparative European perspective

chapter 9|17 pages

Alien Influence?

The international context of the BNP's ‘modernization’

chapter |11 pages

Conclusion

Further avenues for research