Farmers, Framing, and the Far Right: A Content Analysis of Far Right Framing in the case of the Dutch 'Nitrogen Crisis'

Abstract

This study explores the development of Far Right discourse in response to the nitrogen crisis in the Netherlands, examining three case study groups over a six-month period during farmers' protests from June to November 2022. By contrasting the crisis frames put forward by one Far Right group and two farmers' groups, inferences will be drawn regarding the narratives the Far Right has sought to emphasise and de-emphasise in its crisis framing. The study identifies six frames used in the discourse surrounding the nitrogen crisis: anti-institutional, globalist, conspiratorial, limitations of civil liberty, imperilment narratives, and resilience-building frames. Far Right groups emphasize anti-institutional frames, imperilment narratives, and conspiracy theories, revealing their specific discursive strategies to influence public perception and mobilise support during crises. Farmers' groups were found to emphasise resilience-building activities, as well as promote anti-institutional narratives. The study underscores the need for context-specific analyses to counter undermining narratives effectively. The findings provide insights into how Far Right discursive practices can undermine democracy and social cohesion, necessitating a multi- faceted approach to address the challenges posed by their tactics....