Assassination Attempt on Slovak PM Sparks Concerns Over Rising Nationalism in Europe

A recent assassination attempt on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has drawn alarming parallels to the pre-World War I era, marked by rising nationalism, violence, and social inequality. The incident, which occurred on May 15, has heightened concerns about the growing instability in Europe.

Why this matters: The rising nationalism and political violence in Europe have significant implications for global stability and security. If left unchecked, these trends could lead to further destabilization and conflict in the region.

Juraj Cintula, a 71-year-old Slovakian, fired multiple shots at Prime Minister Fico, injuring him severely. This attack is reminiscent of the 1914 assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which triggered World War I. Although the current situation is unlikely to lead to another global conflict, it serves as a wake-up call for those concerned about democracy and the alarming rise of political violence in Europe.

This incident is part of a broader trend of rising political violence across Europe. Since 2016, Britain has witnessed the murders of two lawmakers, Jo Cox and David Amess. Germany reported a record 60,000 politically motivated criminal offenses in 2023. The growth of political militias, aggressive nationalistic thinking, and income inequality are contributing factors to this troubling climate.

The pre-World War I era, known by the designation Belle Époque, was marked by regional peace and economic prosperity but also saw political violence, including numerous assassinations of leaders across Europe. Scholars like Pankaj Mishra note similarities between that period and the current era, including economic shocks, social and economic dislocation, and the rise of populist movements.

The assassination attempt on Fico is the first on a European head of government since 2003. It highlights the urgency for democratic politicians to address the root causes of disaffection and work to make the democratic system more effective. Centrist politicians must take the concerns of ordinary families seriously, rather than blaming disinformation and demagogic manipulation for the rise of populism.

Slovakia's economic vulnerability adds another layer of complexity to the current situation. Known by its nickname 'Detroit of Europe,' Slovakia is the world's largest producer of automobiles per capita. However, its economy is highly dependent on car manufacturing and exports, particularly to China. The potential imposition of Chinese tariffs on large automobiles from the EU could significantly impact Slovakia's economy.

Despite the growing instability, overall radical violence in Europe has remained relatively stable since data collection began in 2021. However, the far-right is behind 85% of politically motivated criminal offenses. Countries like Greece, France, and Germany have seen significant shares of violence by radical groups, with far-left and anarchist groups also contributing to the unrest.

The assassination attempt on Fico and the broader trends of rising nationalism and political violence in Europe highlight the urgent need for democratic leaders to address the underlying issues. By taking the concerns of ordinary people seriously and working to improve the democratic system, Europe can hope to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.

Key Takeaways

• Assassination attempt on Slovak PM Robert Fico sparks concerns of rising nationalism and political violence in Europe.
• Incident draws parallels to pre-WW1 era, marked by nationalism, violence, and social inequality.
• Europe has seen a surge in political violence, with 60,000 politically motivated crimes in Germany in 2023.
• Far-right groups are behind 85% of politically motivated crimes, with Greece, France, and Germany seeing significant shares of violence.
• Democratic leaders must address underlying issues to prevent further destabilization and conflict in Europe.