09/03/2026
Is the Far-Right Anti-Science? – New Research Article by Catherine Baker📃
When discussing the far right, the dominant narrative often portrays it as fundamentally opposed to science. However, the new article by IRMS Fellow Catherine Baker argues that, while this is partly true — for example, when considering the anti-vaccination sentiment, climate denial, and creationism — this is not the whole picture. In fact, the far right only rejects science where it contradicts its ideological, economic, or cultural interests. Conversely, when science aligns with its worldview, as with nuclear power, space travel, or military technology, it is embraced.
Baker’s article examines how the far right appropriates scientific concepts from genetics, IQ research and evolutionary psychology to reinforce sexist, ethno-nationalist and other exclusionary beliefs. She examines the struggle for interpretative scientific authority surrounding 'race' and gender, where scientific authority is both attacked and co-opted to legitimise racism and patriarchy.
Ultimately, the far right does not reject science entirely, but rather engages in selective attacks as well as appropriation. It aims to achieve interpretative authority over the 'truth', to delegitimise opponents, and to make social hierarchies appear scientifically proven.
Baker concludes that “[t]o fully grasp these dynamics, scholars must engage deeply with the far-right’s epistemic and metapolitical strategies, exploring how to challenge scientific misinformation when it assumes the appearance of scientific legitimacy. To respond effectively, scholars must move beyond depoliticised conceptions of science and anti-science.“
Read the full piece here: tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02691728.2026.2697190
