In perspective, internationalism does not seem like a concept that would apply to populist and fascist movements but these groups have proven otherwise. Even though they talk about how “dirty” internationalism is, these groups are ready to associate with one and other to gain traction, publicity, and legitimacy. “We will not give up our identity; I think that unites us all.” This quote from Jörg Meuthen, a member of the European Parliament from the Alternative for Germany party that author David Motadel uses in his article depicts exactly why contradiction is a word associated with such movements. Identity in a cultural or political group is something very important to them and they will try to protect it to the best of their abilities. What makes them special is that they stand out from the rest of the world; it’s their struggle, their fight, their way. When populist and nationalist movements start to associate it creates the problem that these groups are starting to lose their initial goal that prioritize their people first. Associating with another group that wants to stand out as different sets up tensions inside their association because they won’t have identical views about every topics, but they will fight over it. It feels like the original uniqueness of the nationalist organization then becomes less important because it is not all about them in particular anymore. While the leaders of these movements despise internationalism, they still opt to try it so they can the advantages that comes with it.
History in real time.
Hate 2.0 
I had the exact same response when thinking about world leaders who you would not think would believe in internationalism. But if it benefits them in certain way than it becomes clear that they as long as it works in their favor and towards their agenda than absolutely, they will give it a try. That is of course as long as it continues to show positive outcomes for them, and as soon as that fades away, they will revert right back to their old ideals.
I also agree that it is interesting in how the way in which the internationalism is used to frame those in a sense of otherness but also as a tool to legitimized and further their ideologies in the international space. The level of cooperation (or the lack of) is something that is seen amongst the far-right leaders in the EU and its institutions. If you look at the Identity and Democracy’s “platform”, they have limited spaces where they agree, which is mostly centred around those nationalist ideologies.