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Mainstream parties in power are increasingly allowing the far right to dictate the public discourse, according to a new research conducted in the Federal Republic of Germany.

Researchers found that this phenomenon has unwittingly helped radical groups by validating their ideas and spreading them to a broader audience.

Study Based on Two Decades of Media Coverage

The results, published in the academic journal on political studies, relied on an computerized content review of more than 520,000 news pieces from a half-dozen German newspapers.

Berlin-based researchers noted that as the radical faction moved from marginal topics in the 1990s era to central themes like assimilation and immigration, established parties progressively adjusted their communication in response.

This adaptation amplified the dissemination of these ideas and signaled to the electorate that such positions were legitimate.

Implications for Democratic Systems

"Political communication by mainstream political groups is crucial in the voting performance of the radical right," explained a political sociologist involved in the study.

"This factor has been underestimated," she added.

The effect was noticeable even when mainstream parties were criticising the radical faction. "You're still giving them attention," the researcher remarked. "The main point is that because we live in such a struggle for visibility, this attention is key."

Mainstreaming Effect Across Europe

While the study was centered around Germany, this mainstreaming phenomenon is probable to apply to countries throughout Europe.

"This is frequently observed in German and British news outlets," said another researcher. "The far right makes a statement and everybody begins discussing it for several days."

"Even if you're opposing it, you're repeating it," he added.

Toughening of Political Discourse

At times, leaders have also hardened their language to align with that of the far right.

In a recently published discussion, a former German chancellor advocated widespread deportations and pushed for them to happen "more frequently and rapidly."

Comparable instances can be found across the continent, as elected officials from nations ranging from the UK to the French Republic adopt the language of the far right, particularly on immigration.

This has created an echo chamber that would have been unthinkable a decade ago.

Core Problem: Who Dictates the Narrative?

"{If you're a centrist political group and you are talking about cultural issues – immigration, integration – in a way that is dictated by the rhythm of the far right, that's the essence of agenda setting," explained a study author.

Other parties have gone one step further, seeking to copy the hardline agenda of the far right, even as research suggests that this approach drives voters to vote for the far right.

Gradual Impact and Voter Awareness

The extent of data collected showed that the influence of far-right parties had been progressive and had increased over time.

"Public perception doesn't change from one day to another," commented a researcher. "But if you encounter this pessimistic narrative around immigration every second week, and it is being disseminated not only by radical groups but also, for instance, by established parties, then of course this storyline travels further."

Requirement for Mainstream Parties to Carve Out Their Own Discourses

The research highlighted the necessity for mainstream parties to develop their distinct discourses, particularly on subjects such as immigration and assimilation, instead of continuously trailing after the radical right.

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