The article examines the rise of the one of the most extremist political parties in Europe,
Golden Dawn. It sketches the historical trajectory of the Greek far right, examines the
ideological, organisational and voter profile of Golden Dawn, and offers possible
explanations for its breakthrough in the 2012 elections. The article shows how the
economic crisis has brought a massive realignment of the Greek electorate away from
mainstream parties, giving rise to anti-system and anti-immigrant sentiments. Golden
Dawn’s violent tactics have allowed the party to establish an anti-system and antiimmigrant
profile and capitalise on these sentiments. The party’s future will depend on its
capacity to absorb organisationally any future tensions between party pragmatists and
idealists.