Growing Ties Between U.S. Far-Right and Afrikaner Nationalism

The Lex Libertas Future of Nations conference, held on February 25, 2026, in Pretoria, South Africa, featured prominent figures from the U.S. far-right, including Stefano Forte, president of the New York Young Republican Club (NYYRC). The event was organized by the Afrikaner nationalist group Lex Libertas, founded by Ernst Roets, who has a history of promoting Afrikaner nationalism internationally. The conference also included members of Belgium's far-right Vlaams Belang and political analysts from Hungary, indicating a growing network among far-right groups across continents.

The Guardian

Lex Libertas, established in February 2025, aims to advocate for a "viable political dispensation" for South Africa's peoples through decentralization and self-governance. Roets, who has spent over two decades within the Solidarity Movement—a network of Afrikaner institutions—has been instrumental in promoting the narrative that white South African farmers face systematic violence. His advocacy has reportedly influenced U.S. foreign policy, particularly during the Trump administration, which saw the suspension of South African aid and prioritization of Afrikaners for refugee resettlement.

The Guardian

Stefano Forte's leadership of the NYYRC has solidified ties with Afrikaner groups. Under his presidency, the NYYRC has hosted events featuring figures like Roets and Joost Strydom, who have been described as "determined Afrikaner freedom fighters." Forte's refusal to denounce the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) during a gala, where he also expressed support for Donald Trump’s potential third presidential run, underscores the NYYRC's alignment with far-right ideologies.

The Guardian

Critics, including Heidi Beirich from the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, argue that the connections between U.S. far-right groups and Afrikaner nationalists reflect a broader trend of white nationalism influencing American policies. Rita Abrahamsen, an African studies professor, noted that Afrikaner nationalists have effectively used international platforms to gain visibility and push their agenda, which has led to backlash against their movements in South Africa.

The Guardian

While the conference in Pretoria showcased a united front among far-right factions, there are discrepancies regarding the extent of their influence on U.S. policy. Some sources suggest a significant impact on Trump-era decisions, while others indicate that these groups have faced increasing scrutiny and resistance within South Africa.

The Guardian

• “No one should be surprised at the relationship between Forte and far-right extremists like the Vlaams Belang party, Orbán’s Hungary and white South African separatist groups.” — Heidi Beirich, Co-founder, Global Project Against Hate and Extremism

The Guardian

• “Increasingly, Orania is seen as a model of self-government at the local level.” — Rita Abrahamsen, Professor of African Studies, Oxford University

The Guardian

• “You want us to denounce the AfD? You want us to denounce our allies? You want us to denounce those that stand with us?” — Stefano Forte, President, NYYRC

The Guardian

The Pretoria conference exemplifies the growing collaboration between U.S. far-right groups and Afrikaner nationalists, raising concerns about the implications for both American and South African political landscapes.

The Guardian