Female leaders in a radical right movement: the Latvian National Front

Abstract

ABSTRACTGender is the central axis around which the transformation of radical right forces is taking place: a new type of movement is emerging which is not excessively masculine. Latvia is experiencing an increase in women’s participation in the radical right, the Latvian National Front (LNF) being a vivid example. The development of the LNF was influenced by Jean-Marie Le Pen’s National Front whose representatives visited Latvia in 1996. This article provides a detailed look into women’s participation in the LNF, and a nuanced view of their activities. Although gender equality issues have not been a priority of right-wing radical movements, increased participation of women in socio-political developments and women’s increased financial independence have changed both the gender proportion in the radical movements and traditional gender roles. The LNF case suggests that relations between gender and radicalism are dynamic and contextual. A determining factor of the LNF’s attitude towards gender issues is the idea of a woman’s mission explained through the lens of esotericism.