An Unholy Alliance: The European Far Right and Putin's Russia

European far-right parties have developed close relations with Russia, based both on ideology and strategy. These parties see in President Vladimir Putin the model of a strong, conservative leader who defends traditional values and opposes decadent West. Since most far-right parties are at the same time antiAmerican and against European integration, they also see a close relationship with Russia as a necessary foothold in order to achieve the gradual dissociation of their countries from Euro-Atlantic Institutions. The Kremlin views these parties as possibly being useful to expand Russia’s geopolitical influence. This unholy alliance should be emphasised and condemned more often in Europe.