Sovereignism and Populism: Citizens, Voters and Parties in Western European Democracies

Populism and sovereignism in Europe are explored in this volume, with a focus on the linkages between the two. It examines the demand and supply sides of populist articulation of sovereigntist claims and their impact on voting choices and the features of sovereignist discourse in populist parties. Sovereignism poses challenges to supranational integration, urging a rethinking of democratic politics and calling for far-sighted alternatives to address the impact of globalisation and regionalisation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 122 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In the context of a rising trend of populism and appeals for national and popular sovereignty across Europe, the United States, and beyond, this volume presents a novel research agenda in political science that delves into the intricate connections between populism and sovereignism in Europe. At its core, the book seeks to answer the pressing question of whether, how, and to what extent populism has been able to effectively channel the demands for reclaiming control over national borders and authority. By examining both the "demand" and "supply" sides of the equation, the authors aim to provide fresh data and theoretical insights into the factors that drive support for sovereigntist claims and their impact on voting choices, as well as the characteristics of sovereignist discourse within populist parties.

The growing electoral success of party-based populism further underscores the significance of this research agenda, as sovereignism poses challenges to the ongoing processes of supranational integration. This prompts a timely reevaluation of democratic politics and calls for innovative and forward-thinking solutions to address the consequences of globalization and regionalization on contemporary societies.

The chapters included in this book were originally published as a special issue of the journal, European Politics and Society.

Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032148151