The Extreme Right’s Relationship with Islam and Islamism in East-Central Europe: From Allies to Enemies

This article analyses the attitudes of extreme right actors from countries of East-Central Europe towards Islam and Islamism. First the broad spectrum of these attitudes is described, using the historical legacy and an analysis of situation in Western countries as the points of departure. This is followed by a description and analysis of extreme right entities and currents in East-Central Europe which cooperate with Islamists or view Islam in a favourable light. The next section examines the attitude of the extreme right towards Baathism and Arab nationalism. The penultimate section describes actors who established their profile on anti-Islamist issues, and the conclusion provides an overall summary of the present situation as well as estimated perspectives of future development.