Meaning of fishhook theory | Babel Free

Definitions

A political theory, sometimes suggested by far-left activists, which asserts that centrists and the far right are politically allied.

Internet, uncountable

Examples

“I don't quite understand what the fish hook theory is supposed to say. Are centrists the same as the far right, but the moderate right is something else? That makes no sense.”

“Fishhook theory proven time and time again”

“If you want to hope the bourgeois state will defend us, you will be motivated towards Horseshoe Theory, arguing that anyone to the Left of Kamala Harris is a Red-Brown. If, conversely, you sincerely want to build a Red-Brown alliance, you take up the Fishhook Theory, arguing that fascism is a tool of the State and therefore your new friends in the MAGA hats can't be fascists since they're against the neoliberal order.”

“Yeah the democratic party in the last 10 years has been the poster child for fish hook theory. The fact of the matter is that if they fought the republicans as hard as they fought progressives in their own party, they'd win.”

“Horseshoe theory is something liberals came up with to demonize communism and equate it with fascism. Fish hook theory more accurately describes fascism's appeal to moderates when they need to divide the working class.”

CEFR level