Depleting Democracies: Radical Right Impact on Parties, Policies, and Polities in Eastern Europe

Depleting democracies examines the impact of the radical right on mainstream parties and political agendas in Eastern Europe. It compares three groups of countries and uses a mixed-methods approach to determine the causal role of radical right parties in influencing parties, policies, and democratic quality. The book contributes to the debate on democratic transformation and the effects of radical right parties.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 23 May 2023
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Depleting democracies: Radical Rights, Mainstream Parties, and the Impact on Political Agendas

This book delves into the intricate dynamics between the radical right and mainstream parties, exploring their interactions and the profound impact they have on shaping political agendas in sensitive areas such as minority policies and asylum regulations. It raises crucial questions about the extent to which the radical right has altered the quality of democracy in Eastern Europe. By examining the electoral strength, political blackmail capabilities, and coalition potential of the radical right, the book seeks to answer whether these factors translate into tangible impacts on democratic governance.

To accomplish this, the book employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of survey data with qualitative, comparative analysis of archival material and other relevant texts. This comprehensive approach allows for a deeper understanding of the causal role that radical right parties play in influencing parties, policies, and ultimately democratic quality across seven distinct countries: Bulgaria and Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, and Romania, as well as the Czech Republic and Estonia.

Through its findings, "Depleting democracies" contributes to the advancement of theory on radical right actors in the political process and provides valuable empirical insights into the dynamics of these parties in Eastern Europe. Its results hold significant relevance to the ongoing debate on democratic transformation and the consequences of the rise of radical right parties. By shedding light on the complex interplay between the radical right and mainstream parties, this book offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing democratic societies in the region.

Weight: 608g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526160188