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Multiculturalism as a Veiled Vehicle for Global Right‐Wing Ideologies: A Theoretical Reframing

Author

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  • Srđan M. Jovanović

Abstract

This article critically examines the paradox at the heart of contemporary multiculturalism in liberal democracies. While multiculturalism is often championed as a vehicle for diversity and social justice, this paper argues that its current formulation inadvertently facilitates the proliferation of socially conservative and illiberal ideologies, serving as a veiled vehicle for varied Right‐Wing ideologies. These include patriarchal sexuality norms, religious fundamentalism, and anti‐homosexual beliefs that are often imported and preserved within immigrant communities. Through a synthesis of political theory, integration models, and ideological psychology, the article explores how multicultural frameworks (shielded by cultural relativism and liberal tolerance) provide fertile ground for the spread of global Right‐Wing ideologies. Special attention is given to the role of progressive complicity and policy blindness in enabling this ideological drift. The paper concludes with recommendations for a recalibrated model of pluralism that balances cultural inclusion with the defense of liberal democratic values. 本文批判性地审视了当代自由民主国家多元文化主义的核心悖论。多元文化主义常被誉为促进多样性和社会正义的途径, 但本文认为, 其当前的表述方式无意中助长了社会保守主义和非自由主义意识形态的传播, 成为各种右翼意识形态的隐蔽载体。这些意识形态包括父权制的性规范、宗教原教旨主义以及反同性恋观念, 它们往往被引入并保留在移民社区中。本文综合运用政治理论、融合模式和意识形态心理学, 探讨了多元文化框架 (在文化相对主义和自由主义宽容的掩护下) 如何为全球右翼意识形态的传播提供沃土。本文特别关注进步人士的默许和政策盲目性在促成这种意识形态漂移中所扮演的角色。最后, 本文提出了重新调整多元主义模式的建议, 以平衡文化包容与“捍卫自由民主价值观”之间的关系。 Este artículo examina críticamente la paradoja central del multiculturalismo contemporáneo en las democracias liberales. Si bien el multiculturalismo suele defenderse como un vehículo para la diversidad y la justicia social, este trabajo argumenta que su formulación actual facilita inadvertidamente la proliferación de ideologías socialmente conservadoras e iliberales, sirviendo como un vehículo velado para diversas ideologías de derecha. Estas incluyen normas de sexualidad patriarcales, fundamentalismo religioso y creencias antihomosexuales que a menudo se importan y se conservan dentro de las comunidades inmigrantes. A través de una síntesis de teoría política, modelos de integración y psicología ideológica, el artículo explora cómo los marcos multiculturales (protegidos por el relativismo cultural y la tolerancia liberal) proporcionan un terreno fértil para la propagación de ideologías de derecha globales. Se presta especial atención al papel de la complicidad progresista y la ceguera política que posibilitan esta deriva ideológica. El trabajo concluye con recomendaciones para un modelo recalibrado de pluralismo que equilibre la inclusión cultural con la defensa de los valores democráticos liberales.

Suggested Citation

  • Srđan M. Jovanović, 2026. "Multiculturalism as a Veiled Vehicle for Global Right‐Wing Ideologies: A Theoretical Reframing," World Affairs, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 189(1), January.
  • Handle: RePEc:wly:woraff:v:189:y:2026:i:1:n:e270056
    DOI: 10.1002/waf2.70056
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    References listed on IDEAS

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