Ecofascism in the United States Political Discourse: Applications to the Southern Border

Abstract

This article analyzes the evolution of Ecofascism, the ideology of preserving the environment at any cost, including oppressing certain groups, and the Great Replacement Theory (GRT), the belief that white people are losing power to immigrants, with current applications to the United States southern border. The foundation of these approaches traces back to Thomas Malthus' Essay on the Principle of Population in the late 18th century. Significant ideas on limits to human population growth have been distorted for generations to support Ecofascist ideologies and violence against marginalized groups. This article discusses how these concepts are prevalent in current United States political discourse and social media, highlighting existing and real dangers that have led to violence in recent years. The primary case study focuses on El Paso. A three-pronged approach to combating Ecofascist ideologies is proposed. Disproving the myths of migration will remove the foundation of the GRT. Education will provide the tools necessary to assess online information critically, and climate optimism offers hope for the future and inspiration to continue fighting for a better future.