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In the current political landscape, a new reactionary current—known as the Dark Enlightenment—is emerging as a significant force, capable of challenging traditional conservative parties in the United States and in Europe. Although it has not been formally recognized in official documents or academic institutions, its influence has spread through speeches, social media, and political movements that promote a vision of society based on nationalism, rejection of globalization, and the defense of traditional structures, such as the family order, religion, and an authoritarian state.
What is the Dark Enlightenment?
The expression "Dark Enlightenment" does not have an official definition nor a consolidated theoretical framework in the academic field. However, in political and cultural analyses, it is used as a descriptive term to refer to a current that combines elements of traditional conservative thought with a more authoritarian, nationalist, and anti-ideological stance. This phenomenon has been observed in several Western countries, where a rise in movements promoting a vision of society that prioritizes stability, order, and national identity over diversity, pluralism, or social progress has been seen.
Defenders of this current argue that the contemporary world has been dominated by an "enlightenment" that, in its modern form, has become a force of destabilization. This "enlightenment" is associated with liberalism, individualism, multiculturalism, and technological progress, elements that, according to their supporters, have weakened traditional social structures and have generated a sense of insecurity and disorientation among populations.
In this sense, the Dark Enlightenment is presented as a response to the "disorder" that, according to its supporters, has been generated by the globalized world. Its objective is not necessarily to reject progress, but to reorganize it under principles considered more solid and stable, such as authority, discipline, and respect for traditional norms.
The Current Political Context
The political landscape of the United States and Europe in recent years has shown a growing polarization between sectors that defend more authoritarian governance models and others that promote more open and pluralistic democratic models. In this context, the Dark Enlightenment has gained ground in parties that have redefined their ideological proposals to include elements resonating with populations seeking stability, security, and a clear national identity.
In the United States, parties such as Trump's have been criticized for their authoritarian approach, but also for their ability to connect with voters who feel displaced by social and economic changes. Some analysts have noted that although Trump has not been an explicit defender of the Dark Enlightenment, his speeches have been interpreted as part of a narrative promoting the defense of traditional order against what is perceived as the loss of values.
In Europe, especially in countries such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, movements promoting a more conservative vision of society have been observed. These movements have gained space in local and national elections, particularly among sectors expressing concern about the rise of immigration, changes in family norms, or the role of the state in daily life.
Confrontation with traditional conservatives
Traditional conservatives, who historically have defended values such as respect for the law, family, religion, and social order, have faced a series of challenges in recent years. The growing influence of the Dark Enlightenment has generated tension between these groups and the new reactionaries, who often present a more radical and less open view of change.
Some political experts argue that traditional conservatives have been unable to adapt to new social realities, such as increasing cultural diversity, changes in family structures, or the growth of human rights movements. In this sense, the Dark Enlightenment positions itself as an alternative that, although conservative in principle, adopts more authoritarian and less inclusive forms.
For example, in certain European parties, proposals have been presented that prohibit certain types of expression, such as the use of language considered offensive, or that impose rules on behavior in public spaces. These measures, although not yet officially adopted in all countries, have been promoted in speeches and electoral campaigns, indicating a growing trend toward stricter regulation of social life.
Upcoming elections as a key scenario
Upcoming elections in the United States and several European countries will be a turning point for the influence of Dark Enlightenment. In the United States, the 2028 presidential elections could mark the beginning of a new political era in which traditional parties face direct pressure from movements promoting a more authoritarian and nationalist vision.
In Europe, parliamentary elections in countries such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom could reflect a greater presence of forces defending a societal vision based on traditional order. These elections will not only be a democratic exercise, but also a scenario in which the ability of conservative parties to maintain their legitimacy in the face of new ideological currents will be measured.
Political experts point out that, although there is no evidence that Dark Enlightenment has gained an official seat in political parties, its influence has spread through social media, media outlets, and electoral campaigns. This suggests that, although not formally structured, its presence is growing significantly.
Implications for democracy and society
The expansion of Dark Enlightenment raises concerns about the future of democracy in the Western world. If this current strengthens, it could lead to a reduction of space for open debate, diversity of opinions, and respect for human rights. Parties promoting a more authoritarian vision could limit access to certain types of information or restrict debate on sensitive topics.
Moreover, if traditional conservatives fail to adapt to new social realities, there could be a loss of legitimacy among their base. This could open space for other forces, even those that do not clearly identify as reactionary, to take advantage of the situation and gain support.
Democracy, in its essence, depends on citizens' ability to express their opinions, question decisions of power, and participate in the decision-making process. If Dark Enlightenment succeeds in imposing a vision that prioritizes order over debate, it could threaten the balance between authority and freedom that is fundamental to any democratic system.
What does the evidence say?
The analysis of available sources indicates that although there is no formal academic study that defines or measures the Dark Enlightenment, its presence has been observed increasingly in speeches, electoral campaigns, and social movements. The article from El País, which is part of the set of sources, mentions that this force will be tested in the upcoming elections, suggesting that its influence is being evaluated in the political arena.
There are no quantitative data on the number of people supporting this current, nor on its participation in political parties. The available data are qualitative and are based on observations of speeches, campaigns, and social movements. This limits the ability to make precise predictions about its impact on the elections.
Moreover, there is no evidence that the Dark Enlightenment has been recognized as an official current by political or academic institutions. Its existence is based on an interpretation of speeches and movements, which makes it a more cultural than institutional phenomenon.