Esotericism, the New Right, and Academic Scholarship
Aries July 15, 2025 DOI: 10.1163/15700593-02502006 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that the New Right's high esteem for Julius Evola, amplified since the 1990s by new translations and far-right dissemination, has shaped both far-right politics and parts of the academic field of "Western esotericism." Contends that polemical far-right narratives about esotericism's marginalization by an alleged left-wing establishment continue to impede critical scholarly engagement with politics. |
Abstract
Abstract This article analyzes the New Right’s engagement with esotericism and its impact on far-right politics since the postwar period. While dismissing “New Age” esotericism, the New Right holds Traditionalism in high esteem, particularly Julius Evola (1898–1974). Evola’s relevance is largely due to new translations and framings of his works since the 1990s and their active dissemination in prominent far-right circles. Scholars of esotericism played a key role, illustrating the intersections between political and academic spheres. This affected not only political ideologies, but also parts of the academic field of “Western esotericism,” which remains a major obstacle to critical engagement with politics to this day. Polemical narratives about the marginalization of esotericism by an alleged left-wing establishment, first articulated in far-right contexts, continue to shape the field. Critical examination of this is essential for a more rigorous scholarly approach not only to esotericism and radical politics, but also to major related social and political developments.