What are some of the dog whistles you’ve noticed lately that concern you most?

February 19, 2025

The recent surge in dog whistles, overt rhetoric, and power grabs by fascist, neo-Nazi, and Dark Enlightenment groups suggests a confluence of factors that have emboldened them. These movements, once lurking in the shadows, now feel confident enough to push their agendas openly, often under the guise of “free speech,” “tradition,” or “national sovereignty.”

What’s Driving This Surge?

1. Political Openings & Global Authoritarian Trends

• Far-right leaders have gained traction worldwide, normalizing extremist views.

• Weak or complicit political institutions allow these groups to push further without meaningful resistance.

2. Information Warfare & Algorithmic Amplification

• Social media platforms, even when attempting moderation, still amplify extremist narratives.

• AI-driven content algorithms have created echo chambers where radicalization accelerates.

• Disinformation campaigns (state-sponsored and grassroots) fuel conspiracy thinking.

3. Economic & Social Instability

• Financial instability, inequality, and demographic shifts create fear and resentment.

• Historical precedent shows that fascism thrives in times of perceived crisis when people seek “strong” leaders.

4. Strategic Dog Whistling & Soft Power Tactics

• Instead of explicit declarations, they use coded language (“traditional values,” “anti-globalist,” “pro-civilization”) to make extremist ideology palatable.

• They exploit legitimate grievances (economic decline, loss of community, distrust in institutions) and redirect them toward scapegoats.

5. Cultural & Religious Co-Optation

• These movements wrap themselves in religious or nationalist rhetoric to gain mainstream appeal.

• They manipulate historical narratives to justify exclusionary policies.

Why Now?

The current moment represents a perceived window of opportunity—a mix of weakened global alliances, increased distrust in democratic institutions, and the rapid transformation of society through technology and migration. These forces create the conditions for radical ideologies to assert themselves as “solutions.”

What Can Be Done?

• Expose & Decode Dog Whistles – Don’t let coded language go unchallenged. When fascists use “heritage,” “sovereignty,” or “tradition” as a mask for oppression, call it out.

• Strengthen Democratic Norms – Defend institutions under attack, from free press to fair elections.

• Disrupt Radicalization Pipelines – Pressure tech platforms to adjust algorithms that radicalize users.

• Build Resilient Communities – Foster local, real-world relationships that make people less susceptible to online extremism.

• Refuse to Normalize Extremism – Reject the idea that these views are just another “political opinion.” They are an existential threat to pluralism.

The Bottom Line

Fascists thrive when people feel powerless, isolated, and fearful. Their resurgence isn’t an accident—it’s a strategy. The counter-strategy must be vigilance, exposure, and an unwavering commitment to truth, connection, and justice.