Europe's New Black Nobility and America's Christian Right

 https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/sep/13/alito-supreme-court-far-right-ties

If you follow Right-wing politics in Europe or even Traditionalist Catholic politics then you're sure to encounter Gloria von Thurn und Taxis. The Guardian article in question provides a quick overview of the circles she inhabits which overlap with those of Samuel Alito. Her activities are not illegal - the article is focusing primarily on the corruption within the US Supreme Court and the ever expanding circles of Right-wing Catholicism.

It should be noted that Gloria von Thurn und Taxis is half-Hungarian which is of interest if you've been following the way Viktor Orban has reached out to the old Habsburg nobility and seeks to move Hungary away from Liberalism in the direction of an authoritarian state. This goal may or may not utilize traditional forms in terms of constitutional monarchy or some trappings associated with the old Throne and Altar order that was cast down by Enlightenment Liberalism. It would seem that Gloria von Thurn und Taxis and Orban have known each other for a number of years and in 2019 Orban conferred the 'Hungarian Order of Merit Officer’s Cross upon Princess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis in recognition of her consistent support of Hungary and her activities serving Hungary’s interests.'

In fact Gloria von Thurn und Taxis is the great-great grand-daughter of Count István Széchenyi, a 19th century name well known to anyone familiar with Hungarian history.

In the past, the idea of Black Nobility (the aristocrats who have long defended traditional Catholicism and stood by the papacy during some of its toughest periods) associating with or collaborating with the American Right was a bit of a stretch. The American Right still falls within the spectrum of Classical Liberalism or Revolutionary politics - as does all of American politics. But that is changing. If someone would argue the Right is becoming revolutionary, they're right, but technically it's counter-revolution or reaction - moves meant to undo the Liberal order established in 1776. Should they win, the vision isn't to take America back into the arms of the British Monarchy - that's out of the question. History provides the answer - the only other option is authoritarianism and likely a fascist dictatorship. In so many ways Francisco Franco (1892-1975) is their model.

Alito is of course a traditionalist Roman Catholic and yet generally speaking American Right-wing politics was always solidly grounded within the larger Liberal tradition and thus abhorrent to the ideals upheld by the Black Nobility. This is not to say the views of the Catholic aristocracy are monolithic, but generally speaking they are hostile to the revolutionary traditions of America, France, and Classical Liberalism in general.

Again, at this point in time the American Right has moved so far to the Right that it's foundations have crumbled and not a few of its members are abandoning liberalism altogether. For some this move represents a fascistic turn, and it's not hard to envision them supporting a dictator - all the more as the US has no aristocracy or means of bringing in a nobility to fulfill a constitutional role as head of state. And yet, it's not hard to imagine why many who have gone down this path would possess a rekindled interest in the aristocratic orders of Old Europe. Perhaps they have no direct bearing on the United States, but in addition to some probable romantic notions, there is a likely hope that these people will play a role in the Europe to come - the Europe they hope to see emerge in the next decade or so.

For Gloria von Thurn und Taxis, the urge to overthrow the liberal order extends to even reaching out to the AfD (Alternative for Germany), the first politically serious and viable Far Right party to emerge in Germany since the fall of fascism in 1945. This would be controversial in her circles as the AfD is anti-liberal and yet not traditionalist conservative. It is broadly speaking in keeping with the broader scope of ideology that produced figures like Hitler with some in the AfD being outright fascists with ties to Nazi groups. Hitler's version of fascism was highly controversial among the German nobility. Some found him obnoxious and offensive while others saw him as useful and inspiring. We of course don't know where Gloria von Thurn und Taxis stands on these issues but she seems willing to reach out to anyone that will help the cause.

Maximilian Krah, the AfD member in question is connected to the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) which is an ultra-traditionalist Catholic group, one that is often discussed in traditionalist circles but also remains controversial. They haven't crossed the sedevacantist line (claiming the Throne of Peter is vacant) but they're close to it. Krah was atypical of the AfD and apparently has since resigned. But like many in the AfD he holds revisionist view of World War II and German history related to it. As the article states, Krah believes that some SS members are innocent of any crimes. While the article does not mention it, it's certain that both Krah and the princess are adherents of the Great Replacement Theory which directs its anger against African and Middle-Eastern immigrants but in some iterations is also highly Anti-Semitic - viewing the 'Jewish Elite' as the puppet-masters of the plan.

It would be legitimate to ask why Alito, a American Supreme Court Justice has these associations and to what extent does he share their ideology. For my part as a New Testament Christian I reject all these camps and their views - including the Classical Liberalism of America's Founding, and yet it would make perfect sense for some Americans to be concerned. They have a judge on their highest court that in many respects has abandoned the ideals of the nation and has a different understanding of authority. That's fine (so to speak) but it may disqualify him from sitting on that bench. In addition, these ties and the larger picture it presents give some indication as to the role the court might play in the future should the Far Right continue to make gains.