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