Growth of extremism - A threat we must take seriously

A WEEK ago today one of Europe’s exemplary societies had to contemplate an attack it never imagined likely much less possible. Norway’s reality, carefully built up after the World War II occupation, is one of tolerance, openness and pro-active and meaningful democracy.

It is a dignified, inclusive society and the very worst you could say about it is that it may be just a bit uncomfortable for non-conformists. Nevertheless, the vast majority of Norwegians accept that there is a civic code, a way of life that makes their society so very comfortable with itself. Of course the economic security the country’s great natural resources provides means this solidarity is a little more easily achieved than in less well off countries.

Despite all of this Anders Behring Breivik struck at the heart of Norwegian society when he killed 76 people in what he says was an attack on the changing values he imagines are undermining Norway.

The debate on his sanity has begun with his solicitor — Geir Lippestad, a specialist in right-wing crime — suggesting that he is insane while others suggest he is just an evil, reactionary zealot. It is hard to accept that a mass killer may be sane, especially in a society so dignified and passive, but it cannot be discounted even if it brings the modern world face-to-face with that unfashionable Old Testament idea of evil real and active. It may be hard for Norwegians to accept that Breivik is not insane — if he is not — especially as they have worked so very hard to make their society a humane, functioning one beyond the reach of aggressive right-wing — or left-wing — organisations.

They are not alone. Right across Europe parties described as being extreme and right-wing are winning more and more electoral support and, surprisingly, in the more affluent countries. Norway’s Progress party, which counts Breivik as a member, won 29% of the vote in elections in 2009. In Finland the True Finns secured 19% last time out and this pattern is reflected in Sweden, Denmark, France and Britain too.

In every instance immigration, especially from Islamic countries, glues these movements together. The economic collapse that paved the way for National Socialism in Germany almost 80 years ago remains a possibility right across the eurozone’s second division. Any further economic deterioration will be exploited by these organisations too.

Though this society has endured atrocities carried out in the name of politics we have been spared the hateful, racist and destructive campaigns associated with what now passes as the extreme right. This is not a situation we should take for granted and we must do all we can to advance even more the ideas of moderation and tolerance that are at the root of nearly all successful societies.