For example, I do think the current tilt to the right in much of Europe is legitimately self defensive.
Steyn's point is that "The right" in Europe, is a wacky fascist right, not the Constitutional, rationalist right of America. Imagine.. any discussion of reducing the "generous" welfare benefits (stay home and collect a paycheck) is out of bounds in Europe. As well as cutting almost any handout, or dealing with immigration rationally, or crime, or taxes , or almost anything. Fact is, Europe's democracies are not particularly democratic. The mainstream is about 6 inches wide.