The radical right has gained significant traction in the twenty-first century, with movements like Brexit, Bolsonaro, and Trump reflecting a desire to challenge mainstream centre-right parties. Understanding similar historical moments in Australia and New Zealand is crucial, particularly during the Great Depression, which saw the rise of large, populist conservative groups. These 'citizens' movements' emerged rapidly, boasting memberships in the hundreds of thousands and vehemently opposing established politicians and parties for their perceived inaction. Regardless of political alignment, these groups aimed to leverage their numbers to pressure governments into implementing what they deemed in the national interest: a streamlined government allowing MPs to act based on conscience rather than party loyalty. However, their proposed solutions to economic woes were often radical and sometimes anti-democratic. At their peak, these movements posed a significant threat to the existing centre-right political landscape, especially in Australia, during a period when fascism and right-wing authoritarianism were gaining momentum globally. The future of conservative politics was at a critical juncture, highlighting the need for deeper insights into these transformative moments.
