The Authoritarian Creep: How Far Right Rhetoric Impacts Culture

The rise of authoritarianism across Europe and the US is something we should all be concerned about. Language shapes culture, and when inhumane language becomes normal, so does inhumane treatment. As political debate grows increasingly hostile toward migrants and refugees, women, and trans and non‑binary people, the consequences are real, and people feel them every day.

Hard‑won rights are being stripped back — from freedom of expression to human rights protections and reproductive autonomy. At the same time, the arms trade is booming, fuelling violence and conflict that shape daily life for millions.

This panel will discuss how far we’ve descended while offering glimmers of hope, showing  where sparks of resistance are already lighting the way. We’ll explore how ordinary people, organising together, can pull us off this dangerous path and rebuild a society grounded in dignity, respect and compassion.