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Established parties in power are more and more allowing the far right to dictate the public discourse, according to a recent study carried out in the Federal Republic of Germany.

Academics found that this phenomenon has unwittingly helped radical groups by validating their ideas and disseminating them more widely.

Study Drawing from Over 20 Years of Media Coverage

The findings, released in the European Journal of Political Research, relied on an computerized content review of more than 520,000 news pieces from a half-dozen German publications.

Berlin-based researchers noted that as the far right shifted from fringe issues in the 1990s era to central themes like assimilation and migration, mainstream political groups increasingly adapted their messaging in response.

This adaptation amplified the spread of these ideas and indicated to the electorate that such stances were legitimate.

Implications for Democracy

"Political discourse by established political groups plays a central role in the electoral success of the far right," stated a political sociologist participating in the research.

"This factor has been underestimated," she noted.

The effect was noticeable even when mainstream groups were condemning the far right. "They still receive focus," the expert remarked. "Our core argument is that because we live in such a battle for attention, this focus is key."

Normalisation Phenomenon Across Europe

While the study was centered around the German context, this mainstreaming phenomenon is probable to affect countries across Europe.

"You see this a lot in German and British news outlets," said another co-author. "Radical groups says something and everybody starts talking about it for one week."

"Although you're countering it, you're echoing it," he added.

Hardening of Political Rhetoric

At certain points, political figures have also hardened their language to align with that of the radical right.

In a recent discussion, a former national leader called for large-scale expulsions and pushed for them to happen "more frequently and rapidly."

Similar instances can be observed across the continent, as politicians from nations ranging from the United Kingdom to France embrace the language of the far right, particularly on migration.

This has created an feedback loop that was inconceivable a decade ago.

Central Problem: Who Dictates the Agenda?

"{If you're a centrist political group and you are discussing cultural issues – immigration, assimilation – in a way that is determined by the rhythm of the far right, that's the whole idea of agenda setting," clarified a researcher.

Other political parties have gone one step further, attempting to emulate the strict platform of the radical right, despite research indicates that doing so leads the electorate to cast their ballot for the radical faction.

Progressive Influence and Public Perception

The extent of information collected showed that the influence of radical groups had been gradual and had increased over time.

"Public perception doesn't change from one day to another," stated a co-author. "However, when you hear this pessimistic narrative around migration every second week, and it is being disseminated not only by radical groups but also, for instance, by mainstream parties, then of course this narrative travels further."

Requirement for Established Parties to Develop Their Distinct Discourses

The research emphasized the need for established political parties to develop their distinct narratives, particularly on subjects such as migration and integration, instead of constantly following the radical right.

"It resembles a choreography," said one author. "If the conductor is far-right and you're responding to them, you lose the ability to choose which music should be heard."