Horseshoe theory
Encyclopedia
The horseshoe theory in political science
asserts that rather than the far left
and the far right
being at opposite and opposing ends of a linear
political continuum
, they in fact closely resemble one another, much like the ends of a horseshoe
. The theory is attributed to French writer Jean-Pierre Faye
.
Horseshoe theory competes with the conventional linear left-right continuum
system as well as the various multidimensional systems
. Proponents of the theory point to similarities between the extreme left and the extreme right. Specifically, the two ends share an authoritarian element. In extreme left political systems (such as communism) the government takes control of the economic resources by violating the property rights of individuals. In extreme right political systems (such as fascism) the government also takes control of the economic life, creating a central planning, and violating property rights. With both extremes, this theory asserts, the power elite are opposed to genuine clean elections
, genuinely free media and speech, and similar democratic institutions that, this theory says, characterizes the political center.
and the far right
(see New antisemitism).
contests the theory by asserting that it is in fact the most socially-just and authentically populist
sector of politics, something the center cannot match, while the radical right, with its virulent anti-communism
, insists that it is the bulwark against an 'encroachment' of a conspiratorial secret radical-left plan to take over the world, operating under the guise of classical liberalism
but really having a more sinister approach.
In University of Reading
academic Peter Barker's book, GDR and Its History, Peter Thompson of the University of Sheffield
observes that the theory is "increasingly orthodox", and describes the theory as seeing "left and right-wing parties being closer to each other than the centre". He dissents from the theory, objecting that it fails to take into account the unbroken continuum of political thought.
Political science
Political Science is a social science discipline concerned with the study of the state, government and politics. Aristotle defined it as the study of the state. It deals extensively with the theory and practice of politics, and the analysis of political systems and political behavior...
asserts that rather than the far left
Far left
Far left, also known as the revolutionary left, radical left and extreme left are terms which refer to the highest degree of leftist positions among left-wing politics...
and the far right
Far right
Far-right, extreme right, hard right, radical right, and ultra-right are terms used to discuss the qualitative or quantitative position a group or person occupies within right-wing politics. Far-right politics may involve anti-immigration and anti-integration stances towards groups that are...
being at opposite and opposing ends of a linear
Linear
In mathematics, a linear map or function f is a function which satisfies the following two properties:* Additivity : f = f + f...
political continuum
Continuum (theory)
Continuum theories or models explain variation as involving a gradual quantitative transition without abrupt changes or discontinuities. It can be contrasted with 'categorical' models which propose qualitatively different states.-In physics:...
, they in fact closely resemble one another, much like the ends of a horseshoe
Horseshoe
A horseshoe, is a fabricated product, normally made of metal, although sometimes made partially or wholly of modern synthetic materials, designed to protect a horse's hoof from wear and tear. Shoes are attached on the palmar surface of the hooves, usually nailed through the insensitive hoof wall...
. The theory is attributed to French writer Jean-Pierre Faye
Jean-Pierre Faye
Jean-Pierre Faye is a French philosopher and writer of fiction and prose poetry.-Biography:Faye was a founding member of the avant-garde literary review Tel Quel, and later of Change. He received the Prix Renaudot for his 1964 novel L'Écluse...
.
Horseshoe theory competes with the conventional linear left-right continuum
Left-Right politics
The left–right political spectrum is a common way of classifying political positions, political ideologies, or political parties along a one-dimensional political spectrum. The perspective of Left vs. Right is a binary interpretation of complex questions...
system as well as the various multidimensional systems
Political spectrum
A political spectrum is a way of modeling different political positions by placing them upon one or more geometric axes symbolizing independent political dimensions....
. Proponents of the theory point to similarities between the extreme left and the extreme right. Specifically, the two ends share an authoritarian element. In extreme left political systems (such as communism) the government takes control of the economic resources by violating the property rights of individuals. In extreme right political systems (such as fascism) the government also takes control of the economic life, creating a central planning, and violating property rights. With both extremes, this theory asserts, the power elite are opposed to genuine clean elections
Clean elections
"Clean Elections" is a term used to describe a particular system of government financing of political campaigns, in which the government provides a grant to candidates who agree to limit their and private fundraising efforts and limit their campaign-spending.- In the United States :Clean Election...
, genuinely free media and speech, and similar democratic institutions that, this theory says, characterizes the political center.
Social
More recently, the term has been used when comparing hostility towards Jews from both the far leftFar left
Far left, also known as the revolutionary left, radical left and extreme left are terms which refer to the highest degree of leftist positions among left-wing politics...
and the far right
Far right
Far-right, extreme right, hard right, radical right, and ultra-right are terms used to discuss the qualitative or quantitative position a group or person occupies within right-wing politics. Far-right politics may involve anti-immigration and anti-integration stances towards groups that are...
(see New antisemitism).
Criticism
Critics of the theory have suggested that many sociologists consider the Horseshoe theory to have been discredited. The radical leftRadical left
Radical left is a term used in the names of several political movements:* Det Radikale Venstre, a social-liberal party in Denmark* Radical Party of the Left , a social-liberal party in France...
contests the theory by asserting that it is in fact the most socially-just and authentically populist
Populism
Populism can be defined as an ideology, political philosophy, or type of discourse. Generally, a common theme compares "the people" against "the elite", and urges social and political system changes. It can also be defined as a rhetorical style employed by members of various political or social...
sector of politics, something the center cannot match, while the radical right, with its virulent anti-communism
Anti-communism
Anti-communism is opposition to communism. Organized anti-communism developed in reaction to the rise of communism, especially after the 1917 October Revolution in Russia and the beginning of the Cold War in 1947.-Objections to communist theory:...
, insists that it is the bulwark against an 'encroachment' of a conspiratorial secret radical-left plan to take over the world, operating under the guise of classical liberalism
Classical liberalism
Classical liberalism is the philosophy committed to the ideal of limited government, constitutionalism, rule of law, due process, and liberty of individuals including freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and free markets....
but really having a more sinister approach.
In University of Reading
University of Reading
The University of Reading is a university in the English town of Reading, Berkshire. The University was established in 1892 as University College, Reading and received its Royal Charter in 1926. It is based on several campuses in, and around, the town of Reading.The University has a long tradition...
academic Peter Barker's book, GDR and Its History, Peter Thompson of the University of Sheffield
University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield is a research university based in the city of Sheffield in South Yorkshire, England. It is one of the original 'red brick' universities and is a member of the Russell Group of leading research intensive universities...
observes that the theory is "increasingly orthodox", and describes the theory as seeing "left and right-wing parties being closer to each other than the centre". He dissents from the theory, objecting that it fails to take into account the unbroken continuum of political thought.
See also
- Left-right politicsLeft-Right politicsThe left–right political spectrum is a common way of classifying political positions, political ideologies, or political parties along a one-dimensional political spectrum. The perspective of Left vs. Right is a binary interpretation of complex questions...
- Political spectrumPolitical spectrumA political spectrum is a way of modeling different political positions by placing them upon one or more geometric axes symbolizing independent political dimensions....
- Blair's LawTim BlairTim Blair is a conservative journalist, commentator and blogger working in Sydney, Australia.Blair began his journalism cadetship in 1988 at 23, working for the now-closed Truth newspaper in Melbourne. In 2004, the Sydney Morning Herald said that "Blair, 39, is top dog among the new Australian...
- Socialist Alternative - allegations of anti-semitism