[Blog] Unveiling the Transnational and Digital Metapolitics of the New Right: Insights from EAJS Conference
Unveiling the Transnational and Digital Metapolitics of the New Right: Insights from EAJS Conference
Our research group presented the latest findings of the ongoing research at the EAJS conference held at Ghent University from August 17 to 20, 2023. The findings were presented at the panel titled “The transnational and digital metapolitics of the New Right”. The panel explored the multifaceted dimensions of metapolitics employed by the New Right, shedding light on how these metapolitical strategies shape discourse and public opinion, and emphasizing its transnational implications.
Panel presentations:
- “‘Japan’ as a cryptofascist chiffre in the metapolitical strategy of the German New Right” presented by Fabian Schäfer
Fabian Schäfer’s presentation explored how the New Right in Germany strategically uses “Japan” as a cryptofascist symbol.
- “Pro-Russian propaganda and the far right in Japan” presented by Olena Kalashnikova
The presentation delved into the discursive interconnections between Kremlin propaganda and pro-Russian politicians in Japan, namely the Issuikai political group and Muneo Suzuki, as well as the right-wing television channel “Channel Sakura”.
- “Metapolitical Strategies and Amplification of Conspiracies: Unraveling the Unification Church as an Online Discourse” presented by Stevie Poppe
Stevie Poppe’s presentation analyzed the structural metapolitical elements and digital populism, emphasizing their role in disseminating online disinformation and conspiracy theories in the wake of Shinzo Abe’s assassination.
- “Kobayashi Yoshinori and the metapolitics of COVID-19-related disinformation and conspiracy narratives” presented by Linda Havenstein
Linda Havenstein’s presentation centred on a popular manga author Kobayashi Yoshinori and his role in spreading COVID-19-related disinformation and conspiracy narratives through his work titled “Corona-ron”.
These presentations were part of Michiko Kurita’s comprehensive report on the EAJS conference, which focuses on the shifting landscape of Japanese Studies.
The article discusses the evolving perspectives of young foreign researchers who admire Japan but are critically analyzing the country’s societal and political issues. Japan is examined as a microcosm reflecting broader global trends in right-wing populism and digital media’s influence. The article also raises concerns regarding the need for enhanced critical thinking and media literacy among Japan’s younger generation to counter the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories.
For more details, you can access the articles through the following links:
