‍Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal

Why and how Russia cooperated with the European far-right from 1991 to 2024: Case study; Germany, Italy and France

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Mehdi Nouri choureti 1
Mehdi sanaei 2

1 PhD student in World Studies, Russian Department, University of Tehran

2 Associate Professor of European Studies, University of Tehran and Political Deputy of the President's Office

10.22034/ca.2025.2070589.1919
Abstract
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia sought to redefine its place in the international order and influence European politics. One of Moscow's strategies included strengthening and supporting the far-right movement in key Western European countries such as Germany, Italy, and France. This article uses a qualitative method and a descriptive-analytical approach to examine why and how Russia cooperated with the far-right movement in Western Europe (Germany, France, and Italy) between 1991-2024. From a strategic perspective, Russia sees this cooperation as a tool to weaken the cohesion of the European Union, NATO, and Western liberal values. In return, European far-right parties and movements have benefited from Russia's financial, media, and diplomatic support. This study examines different dimensions of cooperation, focusing on three countries: Germany (centered on the Alternative for Germany party), France (Front national/ Rassemblement national), and Italy (Brothers of Italy and the Lega Nord). The findings show that these relations have not only affected the domestic politics of these countries to some extent, but have also become one of Russia's new geopolitical tools in soft war.

Keywords

Russia
far-right
Western Europe
soft power
anti-Westernism

Home

Guide for Authors

Submit Manuscript

Reviewers

Contact Us