Responding to Populist Parties in Europe: The 'Other People' vs the 'Populist People'

Responding to Populist Parties in Europe: The Other People vs the Populist People offers a new theoretical framework for understanding opposition to populist parties, arguing that analogies with the interwar rise of fascism and postwar communist takeover do not apply to today's Europe. It proposes a typology of tolerant and intolerant initiatives from public authorities, political parties, and civil society and outlines a goal-attainment theory of effective opposition focused on curbing illiberal and anti-democratic policies, reducing support for populist parties, diminishing their resources, and inducing moderation without producing perverse effects.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 12 December 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Responding to Populist Parties in Europe: The Other People vs the Populist People offers a novel theoretical framework for understanding the opposition to populist parties. It delves into the various strategies employed by those who disagree with populist ideologies and explores the effectiveness of these opposition initiatives. The book challenges the notion of drawing analogies between the rise of fascism and the communist takeover in the interwar period and the current situation in Europe, arguing that these comparisons do not adequately capture the complex realities of today's political landscape.

Those who oppose populist parties often find themselves navigating more complex and challenging waters than their predecessors. They must grapple with questions about whether their actions deepen or threaten democracy, a topic that requires careful consideration. Populists operate in a globalized and interconnected Europe, where territorial governance overlaps, creating a complex web of interdependencies.

This novel context provides valuable insights into the rise of populist parties and the constraints faced by opposition efforts. The book begins by introducing a new typology of tolerant and intolerant initiatives opposing populist parties. This typology encompasses not only public authorities and political parties operating at state and international levels but also lesser-known initiatives from civil society. By recognizing the diversity of opposition forms across countries and parties, the book establishes the foundations for a bottom-up approach to evaluating the effectiveness of opposition.

The book then proceeds to outline a goal-attainment theory of effective opposition. It focuses on whether opponents can successfully curb illiberal and anti-democratic policies, reduce support for populist parties, diminish their resources, or induce moderation without producing unintended consequences. This theoretical framework provides a framework for understanding the various strategies employed by opposition actors and the outcomes they seek to achieve.

Overall, Responding to Populist Parties in Europe: The Other People vs the Populist People offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the opposition to populist parties. It provides valuable insights into the strategies employed by opponents, the challenges they face, and the potential outcomes of their efforts. By challenging traditional narratives and offering a fresh perspective, the book contributes to our understanding of the complex dynamics shaping contemporary European politics.

Weight: 564g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198892588