New psychological model explains why antisemitism emerges on both the right and the left

June 8, 2026 - 14:59

Researchers have proposed a new psychological framework to explain why antisemitic attitudes are rising simultaneously among both right-wing and left-wing groups. The model, called the dual-threat model, suggests that the core belief driving this prejudice is the perception that Jewish people hold excessive power in society. However, the specific fears this belief triggers differ sharply depending on a person's political orientation.

According to the study, people on the political right tend to fear that this perceived Jewish power undermines traditional national identity and cultural cohesion. They worry that an influential Jewish elite is actively working to weaken the majority culture through immigration, media control, or globalist policies. In contrast, people on the political left are more likely to fear that Jewish power protects capitalist hierarchies and blocks progress toward social and economic equality. For them, the threat is seen as a force that defends the status quo and prevents systemic change.

The researchers argue that this dual-threat dynamic explains why antisemitism can appear in such contradictory forms. The same underlying belief about Jewish influence can fuel both the far-right conspiracy of a secret cabal and the far-left critique of a wealthy, oppressive class. By identifying these distinct psychological pathways, the model offers a clearer way to understand and address the resurgence of antisemitism in modern political discourse. The findings highlight that combating this prejudice requires recognizing how it adapts to fit different ideological fears.