From Analysis to Action: Confronting the “Reactionary International”

Working Conference on the global network of the far-right

Across borders, we are witnessing a surge of the far right. Globally, democratic systems are under assault. This is not merely the result of misguided anger from below. There is concrete evidence that a Reactionary International is being methodically constructed: A transnational network of actors, institutions, financiers, propagandists, and operatives whose shared project is the capture of public power in service of private interest.

On 12-13 June, the Progressive International, transform! Europe and the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung Brussels Office joined forces to host a Working Conference on the Reactionary International. For two days, researchers, data scientists, investigative journalists, international jurists and progressive policymakers from across the globe shared their research on far-right networks. The conference featured key contributions from Peter Mertens, leader of the Belgian Workers’ Party; Alexandra Mehdi, the lead candidate for Die Linke in the North Rhine-Westphalia regional elections; and Jeremy Corbyn.

The purpose of the meeting was to map the architecture of this Reactionary International, the flows of money and influence that connect its parts, and the strategic objectives that drive it. The aim: to track, expose, and anticipate the far-right network – and ultimately help dismantle it.

One outcome of the intensive exchange was to launch a concrete, winnable campaign as a first step: Targeting the surveillance company Palantir, founded by far-right tech billionaire Peter Thiel. The campaign can build on recent legal victories in Switzerland and existing research to turn analysis into action.

To strengthen our collective work, participants agreed to pool datasets, establish regular exchanges, and develop a shared progressive narrative. The goal is to move beyond simply exposing villains. We must also articulate real alternatives and deepen ties with trade unions and the Global South.

The connections forged at this conference will now be institutionalised. Participants will remain in regular contact to monitor and analyse the activities of the far right. Together, we have established a knowledge hub dedicated to challenging the Reactionary International across all levels of civil society.

Check out the Working Conference on the Reactionary International’s website and watch this space for more: https://act.progressive.international/conference/