What is the rise of populism in Europe?

Introduction

The rise of populism in Europe has become a significant political phenomenon, influencing both Western and Eastern European countries. This trend has been driven by various socio-economic, political, and cultural factors, leading to the emergence of new political parties and movements that challenge traditional party systems and democratic norms.

Key Insights

Erosion of Traditional Party Systems:
- Populism is linked to the erosion of the representative function of traditional party systems, leading to "partyless democracy" where parties lose their representative role, opening the door for unmediated populist protest .
- The decline of center-left parties and the inability of traditional parties to respond to crises have contributed to the rise of populist movements .
Economic Factors:
- Economic disparities, the Great Recession, austerity measures, and inequality have been significant drivers of populism in Europe .
- The growth regime framework explains shifts in political parties and systems, highlighting the conflict between debtors and creditors as a core factor.
Cultural and Social Backlashes:
- Migration and cultural backlashes, including fears of Muslim refugees, have been exploited by populist leaders to gain support .
- Nativism, rather than populism, is a defining feature of radical right parties, focusing on anti-immigrant and Eurosceptic views .
Impact on Democracy:
- Populist parties have reshaped European party systems and challenged liberal democratic values, promoting "illiberal democracy" which undermines the separation of powers and individual rights .
- Despite negative impacts, populist parties have increased electoral turnout and public participation, which can be seen as a positive effect on democracy.
Regional Variations:
- In Central and Eastern Europe, historical legacies, economic challenges, and the refugee crisis have fueled populism, with countries like Hungary and Poland forming strategic alliances against EU policies .
- Social-economic factors, such as state protectionism and social benefits, play a crucial role in the rise of populism in countries like Ukraine and Poland.

Conclusion

The rise of populism in Europe is a multifaceted phenomenon driven by the erosion of traditional party systems, economic disparities, cultural backlashes, and regional variations. While populist movements challenge liberal democratic values and promote nativist and Eurosceptic views, they also increase public participation in the political process. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for addressing the challenges posed by populism and maintaining democratic cohesion in Europe.

What is the rise of populism in Europe?

Summary

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

The Populist Challenge

Populism in Europe is influenced by three forms of 'protest populism' and may transform party systems in West and Central Europe, challenging the representative function of European parties.

The Global Economics of European Populism: Growth Regimes and Party System Change in Europe (The Government and Opposition/Leonard Schapiro Lecture 2017)

European populism is influenced by shifts in political party systems and growth regimes, which explain the evolution of the cartel form of party in Europe from the late 1990s to the current period and its inability to respond meaningfully to financial and political crises.

The Myth of Global Populism

The rise of global populism is a misleading narrative, as nativism, not populism, is the defining feature of radical right parties and politicians in Western Europe and the United States.

Europe’s Populist Surge

Populism in the European Union has increased, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban using public fears of Muslim refugees to justify his rise to power, and various political parties gaining support, including the left-wing Spanish party Podemos.

The Rise of Populism: Case Studies, Determinants and Policy Implications

The rise of populism in Europe is influenced by factors such as the Great Recession, austerity measures, inequality, migration, and cultural backlashes, with the EU playing a role in shaping the political climate.

Editorial to the Issue on Populism and the Remaking of (Il)Liberal Democracy in Europe

Populist parties in Europe have both positive and negative effects on democracy, reshaping party systems and advocating for "illiberal democracy," potentially erode separation of powers and subordinate individual rights.

Populism is a Symptom Rather than a Cause: Democratic Disconnect, the Decline of the Center-Left, and the Rise of Populism in Western Europe

Populism in Western Europe is a symptom of growing dissatisfaction with democracy, as citizens believe political institutions are unwilling or unable to respond to their needs and demands.

The Rise of Populism in Central and Eastern Europe: The gaining power bond between Hungary and Poland in the European Union

The rise of populism in Central and Eastern Europe is driven by economic disparities, historical legacies, and immigration concerns, with the gaining power bond between Hungary and Poland within the EU causing tensions and divisions.

The rise of populism in Central and Eastern Europe: analysis of social-economic factors

Social-economic factors are the basis for the emergence of populism in Central and Eastern Europe, with political factors being the key importance for its rise, regardless of economic or political development.

Here to Stay? Populism as a New Party Type

Populism has unexpectedly emerged as a new party type in Europe, driven by the end of the post-war settlement, post-industrialism, and the erosion of party politics.

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