Organizing Against Democracy: The Local Organizational Development of Far Right Parties in Greece and Europe

Organizing Against Democracy examines the challenges modern democracies face, the attempts of extreme European far-right parties to establish roots in local societies, and the factors affecting their evolution at the subnational level. It broadens our understanding of right-wing extremism and illuminates the factors limiting its corrosiveness.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 03 March 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Organizing Against Democracy is a groundbreaking study that delves into some of the most pressing challenges confronting modern democracies. It fills a unique gap in the literature, offering both empirical and theoretical insights. The book explores the efforts of three of the most extreme European far-right parties to establish roots in local societies and the responses of democratic actors.

In his analysis, author Ellinas develops a theory of local party development to examine the various factors that shape the evolution of far-right parties at the subnational level. Drawing on extraordinarily rich data, the author conducts a comprehensive examination of the lives of local far-right party organizations in Greece, Germany, and Slovakia. This includes studying thousands of party activities, interviewing dozens of party leaders and functionaries, and antifascists.

Through this detailed research, the author seeks to understand how and why extreme parties succeed in some local settings while failing in others. The book broadens our understanding of right-wing extremism, shedding light on the factors that limit its corrosiveness. It is a valuable contribution to the field of political science and provides valuable insights for policymakers and activists working to counter the threat of far-right extremism in contemporary societies.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 151 x 227 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108400350
Edition number: New ed