Fish hook theory
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Fish hook theory (ⓘ) is a political concept that proposes a relationship between centrist and far-right ideologies on the political spectrum. The theory suggests that the center and far-right are closer to each other than either is to the far-left. It uses a fish hook shape as a visual metaphor, contrasting with the linear model of the political spectrum and the horseshoe theory.
Origin
[edit]Fish hook theory emerged in online political discourse during the 2010s as a critique of the horseshoe theory. Horseshoe theory posits that the far-left and far-right resemble each other more than they resemble the political center. Leftist critics of horseshoe theory developed fish hook theory to argue that centrist politics enable far-right movements rather than oppose them.[1]
Description
[edit]The theory visualizes the political spectrum as a fish hook. The far-left occupies the eye of the hook. The political center lies along the shank. The far-right sits at the point of the hook. This configuration places the center in proximity to the far-right. Proponents argue that centrist parties and policies have supported far-right politics through direct or indirect actions.[1]
Academic analysis
[edit]Anthony Ince published a peer-reviewed analysis of fish hook theory in 2023 in the journal Space and Polity.[1] Ince examined how centrism facilitates the mainstreaming of far-right politics through three mechanisms. First, centrism provides institutional platforms that allow far-right ideas to resonate within liberal state structures. Second, centrism creates discursive space through civic values that can be appropriated by right-populist movements. Third, centrism offers ideological opportunities through appeals to rationality and balance.[1]
Ince identified the Weimar Republic as a historical example where centrist parties accommodated far-right politics. He wrote that fish hook theory has received limited conceptual development due to its semi-serious origins as critique rather than formal theory. The theory highlights how centrist emphasis on free speech and rational debate can embolden far-right perspectives by providing them legitimate public platforms.[1]
Reception and criticism
[edit]Fish hook theory has received minimal attention in academic political science literature.[1] Discussion occurs in online forums, social media, and political commentary.[1] The Week magazine covered the theory in 2021, describing it as an alternative to horseshoe theory that gained ground among leftists.[2] Pacific Standard published an analysis in 2018 that treated fish hook theory as a satirical response to horseshoe theory.[3]
Critics state that fish hook theory shares analytical weaknesses with horseshoe theory.[1] Both models oversimplify complex political relationships and reduce multidimensional political ideologies to single-axis representations.[1] The theory's reliance on vague terminology faces challenges from research showing limited public understanding of these labels. [2] A 2019 YouGov poll found that half of British survey respondents could not identify typical left-wing or right-wing policies, and nearly 50 percent described themselves as neither left-wing nor right-wing.[2]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i Ince, Anthony (2023). "'Fishhook populism'? From the liberal centre to the far right and back again" (PDF). Space and Polity. 27 (3). doi:10.1080/13562576.2023.2196614.
- ^ a b c The Week Staff (12 February 2021). "What is fish hook theory?". The Week. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
- ^ Berlatsky, Noah (9 February 2018). "Let's Put an End to 'Horseshoe Theory' Once and for All". Pacific Standard. Retrieved 10 October 2025.