Horseshoe Theory
Centrist/Extremist Model
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An early expression of what we now call ‘horseshoe theory’ of ‘horseshoe model’ can be found in “The Lands of the Saracen” by Bayard Taylor (1854) where he describes witnessing a French monarchist (who some might think of as far-right) and a French socialist (who some may think of as far-left) agreeing that Great Britain’s legislation is perfidious which caused him to blurt out, “This is where the extremes meet!”1
In other words, though they are on opposite ends of the political spectrum, they agreed with each other’s political view point, at least on the subject of Great Britain’s legislation.
Wikipedia claims that the horseshoe theory
is attributed to the French philosopher and writer of fiction and poetry Jean-Pierre Faye in his 1972 book Théorie du récit: introduction aux langages totalitaires, in relation to Otto Strasser.
Wikipedia, however, is not itself a valid source. It is a place where people can claim things and then ideally provide valid and sufficient evidence to support those claims. They do not always do so. For the claim that horseshoe theory is attributed to Faye in his 1972 book Théorie du récit: introduction aux langages totalitaires, they provide the footnote
Faye, Jean Pierre (1972). Théorie du récit: introduction aux langages totalitaires. Critique de la raison, l'économie narrative [Narrative theory: introduction to totalitarian languages. Critique of reason, narrative economy.]. Collection Savoir (in French). Paris: Hermann. p. 124. ISBN 978-2-7056-5695-9.
If one clicks on the link to the book, one is allowed to see only the front and back covers and the inside front cover. There is no way that I can find to confirm this claim.
I found “Horseshoe Theory in American Politics” written by Rachel Sobers, published by Vanderbilt Political Review November 11, 2024 in author Rachel Sobers writes that horseshoe theory is
attributed to French author and philosopher Jean-Pierre Faye
For this claim, she cites “Rallying the Radicals: What do the Radical Left and the Radical Right have in Common?” wherein it states
so-called horseshoe theory
is
attributed to the French writer Jean-Pierre Faye
There is, however, no source given.
Los Angeles Times columnist Jonah Goldberg writes in “Column: 2023 was the year I started believing in the horseshoe theory of politics” (December 26, 2023) that the term horseshoe theory
is often attributed to French author Jean-Pierre Faye‘s 1996 book “Le Siècle des ideologies” (“The Century of Ideologies”),
The link in the quote above links to a Wikipedia page on Jean-Pierre Faye that links to other sources that, like this LA Times piece, state that it is attributed to Faye and link to other sources that state the same thing that link to other sources that state the same thing that link to other sources that state the same thing that link to other sources that state the same thing that…you get the idea.
Leaving the issue of who came up with it, how applicable is it?
Consider this: would you call a Christian cowboy who lives on a ranch, who just wants to be left alone to run his ranch and who has no interest in suppressing human rights and who does not want the government or anyone else to suppress human rights a right winger? Probably. How about a person who thinks that a Christian theocracy should rule over people and prevent them from engaging in premarital sex, from drinking and who thinks the government should make people go to church and read the Bible? Right wing? Is not the hypothetical cowboy quite opposite from the hypothetical Christian theocratic person on the issue of freedom vs authoritarianism? One wants freedom and the other wants an authoritarian control that prevents freedom. Does it make sense to place both of these people on the same side of a spectrum?
Consider the following 2 hypothetical people: One is a Wiccan astrologer and crystal healer who has a little plot of land with a small house, some chickens, a cow, a marijuana field and who just wants to live and let live. The other is an atheist and a communist who thinks we should have a strong authoritarian government in order to seize the means of production and to collectivize all resources to ensure equity. Are these people both on the same left side of the spectrum?
In some senses the left wing communist authoritarian is more like the right wing theocratic authoritarian than the left wing Wiccan anti-authoritarian. The cowboy has more in common with the Wiccan than either has with the authoritarians. When thought of in this manner, both the straight lined political spectrum and the horseshoe model seem inadequate.
Also see:
political compass (coming soon)
double horseshoe (figure 8) (coming soon)
political triangle (coming soon)
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This can be found in chapter 1 where we read,
I was struck by the cordiality with which the Monarchist and the Socialist united in their denunciations of England and the English laws. As they sat side by side, pouring out anathemas against "perfide Albion," I could not help exclaiming: "Voilà, comme les extrêmes se rencontrent!" This turned the whole current of their wrath against me, and I was glad to make a hasty retreat.
The term “perfide Albion” means “perfidious Britain” and "Voilà, comme les extrêmes se rencontrent!" can be translated to, “This is how extremes meet!”