Euroscepticism: Ideology, Strategy, and Consequences in the Post-Brexit European Union

Abstract

Euroscepticism has become a defining feature of contemporary European politics, yet its complexity often eludes scholarly analysis. This panel examines how disintegrative ideas, party strategies, and political communication interact to shape the trajectory of European integration in the post-Brexit era. Moving beyond simple dichotomies, the panel explores fundamental questions about what drives Eurosceptic politics: Is it primarily ideological conviction or strategic calculation? How do domestic contexts and crises constrain or enable Eurosceptic mobilization? And do Eurosceptic parties actually achieve their intended effects on citizen attitudes? The panel examines whether Euroscepticism operates simultaneously as an ideological project, a strategic resource, and a contested political discourse. Far-right parties exhibit striking variations in their positions toward European integration, shaped by both long-standing ideological commitments and immediate political opportunities. During crises, domestic political structures mediate how Eurosceptic actors influence integration outcomes, producing diverse pathways rather than uniform resistance. Moreover, the relationship between Eurosceptic parties and their potential supporters is less straightforward than commonly assumed: rhetorical ambiguities can generate unintended consequences, with left-wing and right-wing parties inadvertently fostering opposing forms of Euroscepticism among citizens.

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