The Role of Insecurity, Institutions, and Inequality in Shaping Populism

Abstract

There is an emerging literature exploring the linkages between the economic and migration crises, the decline of social democratic parties, the emergence of new left parties, and the rise of radical right and populist parties. Many recent accounts suggest that immigration and cultural worries are as important determinants of this phenomenon than economic dynamics. This panel contributes to this debate and explores unexplored factors. The first paper by Max Kiefel (LSE) and Diane Bolet (LSE) investigates the relationship between millennial status anxiety and support for new left political parties. The second paper by Christos Vrakopoulos (University of Reading) argues that governance matters for understanding the success of extreme right parties in Europe. Third, Alexandru Filip (Hertie School of Governance) explores the dynamics of electorate party switching. In the fourth paper, David Weisstanner (University of Oxford) and Sarah Engler (University of Zurich) look at the impact of social decline on radical right party support in the case of rising income inequality. Last but not least, Hugo Marcos-Marne (Universität St Gallen) considers the consequences of demand-side populism in Europe. Taken together these panels contribute to our understanding of the determinants and consequences of changing support for populism.