Fractured Politics in Southern European Democracies: Party Competition between Old and New Divides

Abstract

Democratic systems in Southern Europe have faced considerable pressure stemming from multiple crises during the first two decades of the 21st century. Consequently, relatively fragile political equilibria have been disrupted. Competition in the electoral arena has not only become more fluid and unstable but also more complex and multifaceted. While until the late 20th century, left-right and centre-periphery divides structured a significant portion of inter-party dynamics, we now observe a proliferation of political fractures. For example, territorial politics, which has long been characterized by regional centrifugal dynamics in polycentric countries like Italy and Spain, now also seems to be influenced by divisions between urban and rural areas, carrying significant political implications. Simultaneously, socio-economic redistributive conflicts between the left and right have been accompanied or even replaced by tensions between populism, in its various forms, and what is commonly referred to as the mainstream. The concept of the mainstream itself has evolved due to the increasing consolidation and systemic entrenchment of political movements that were once considered anti-system. Within this broader context, the aim of the panel is to uncover the emergence of new political-electoral divides at both the national and sub-national levels, examine their interactions with established cleavages, and assess their political ramifications for the functioning of democracy and policymaking processes in Southern European countries.

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