Populist Parties and Democratic Resilience: A Cross-National Analysis of Populist Parties' Impact on Democratic Pluralism in Europe

Populist Parties and Democratic Resilience explores the conditions under which populist parties become anti-democratic and when they remain loyal to the democratic system. It offers in-depth analyses of the trajectory of populist parties in eleven European Union countries and outlines different ways in which European democracies can successfully accommodate populist parties.

Format: Hardback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Populist Parties and Democratic Resilience delves into the role of populist parties as the primary drivers of populism, exploring the dynamics of their transformation from pro-democratic to anti-democratic and their commitment to the democratic system. In the aftermath of significant events such as the Brexit referendum, the election of Donald Trump, and the proliferation of populist parties across the world, concerns arose about the state of democracy. However, while some democratic systems have faced challenges from populist movements, most have demonstrated remarkable resilience.

This volume aims to identify the conditions that lead populist parties to undermine political and societal pluralism. Through in-depth analyses of the trajectories of populist parties in eleven European Union countries (Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and Spain), the authors shed light on the diverse pathways through which populist power can be contained and subjected to democratic checks and balances. The book underscores that populist parties can, both voluntarily and under external pressures, adhere to the democratic rules of the game.

Based on a comprehensive review of democratic theory and comparative politics, Populist Parties and Democratic Resilience offers valuable insights into the public discourse on the state of democracy in Europe. It appeals to researchers specializing in comparative politics, European politics, party politics, democracy, and populism, providing a comprehensive examination of the complex dynamics between populist parties and democratic systems.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032221557