Across Europe, opposition to Muslim immigrants, globalisation, the power of the European Union and the drive towards multiculturalism is feeding a growth in right-wing ideology and, in some cases, leading to violence.

The success of populist parties appealing to a sense of lost national identity has brought criticism of minorities, immigrants and in particular Muslims out of the beer halls and internet chat rooms and into mainstream politics.

While the parties themselves generally do not condone violence, some experts say a climate of hatred in the political discourse has encouraged violent individuals. 

So, is right-wing ideology really making an impression across Europe? And are governments tackling it or inadvertently fuelling it?

Inside Story discusses with guests: Shannon Pfohman, a policy manager at the European Network Against Racism; Anders Giaever, a political columnist for Verdens Gang, a daily newspaper in Norway; and Matthew Goodwin, an associate fellow at Chatham House.

This episode of Inside Story aired on Tuesday, July 26, 2011.