#rp25 speaker Natascha Strobl: The new tactics of fascism

A quick look at Austria and Germany demonstrates how conservative parties frequently adopt the content and narratives of the far right without hesitation. Today, fascist strategies tend to increasingly oscillate between liberal and conservative ideas. This leaves little room for a balanced politics that considers all people as equal and is directed at safeguarding the well-being of all. Political scientist and journalist Natascha Strobl has previously written about the similarities and differences between conservative and far-right parties in her best-selling book 'Radikalisierter Konservatismus' ('Radicalized Conservatism'). In her analysis, she demonstrated that  rhetorical and political strategies of conservative parties are often based on methods of radical right-wing movements and organizations. 

Natascha Strobl’s analyses, which in particular focus on the Austrian political landscape, have been published in various media, such as the Frankfurter Rundschau and Süddeutsche Zeitung. Currently, she is working on her next book, which will be published in 2026. 'Kulturkampfkunst: Ein Handbuch. Warum man nicht über jedes Stöckchen springen sollte' ('Culture War Art': A handbook. Why you shouldn't jump over every wooden stick’) sheds light on the political instrumentalization of culture and the media. Her argument is that terms such as 'Fascism' and 'Culture wars' are making their way back into our everyday vocabulary. How should their meaning be interpreted in the current political context? 

We want to discuss these questions with Natascha Strobl at re:publica 25 in order to understand which alternative anti-fascist strategies exist - so that we can ensure that inhumane attitudes never turn into the norm.

The motto of re:publica 25 is ‘Generation XYZ’. What is your message for future generations with regard to the digital society?

Natascha Strobl: "In times of crises, solidarity is our best strategy for the future."