Local Dimensions of Populist Linkage: Revitalising Membership-Based Politics in an Age of Disengagement

This paper contributes to recent evidence suggesting that, contrary to the prevailing view of populism as emblematic of direct, unmediated representation, certain European PRRPs are cultivating robust local networks and engaging actively with their base, thereby reintroducing elements reminiscent of the 20th-century mass party. This unexpected development challenges assumptions about the inevitable decline of traditional party structures in post-industrial societies and raises questions about how populist parties reconcile 'mass' organisational features with their populist rhetoric and logic. Focusing on the Swedish PRRP, the Sweden Democrats, this study employs ethnographic methods to investigate how this trend plays out on the ground. It does so from the perspective of local party branch members in three distinct regional contexts: municipalities in the north and south of Sweden, as well as Stockholm. The sample comprised three evenly distributed groups: (1) rank-and-file members, subdivided by those with and without specific responsibilities, (2) local branch leaders, who varied in their levels of experience, and (3) high-ranking party representatives. A key insight reveals that the party’s embodiment of the mass party form—characterised by robust party-member relations and active grassroots involvement— fundamentally relied on its populist foundations, highlighting a symbiotic relationship between populist rhetoric and mass-party organisational structures. The populist claim to represent 'the people' was uniquely reflected within the party’s structure, pointing to a need for further exploration of the link between ideology and organisation. However, findings also reveal the internal tensions arising as the party balances grassroots involvement with aspirations for mainstream political legitimacy. These findings contribute significantly to our understanding of how populist parties build and maintain linkage with their supporters on the local level and offer insights into pathways for political parties to mobilise traditional forms of political engagement in contemporary contexts. By focusing on local party dynamics, this research underscores the symbiotic relationship between party organisation, populist rhetoric, and citizen attitudes towards democracy and representation. It highlights how local party branches serve as key forums for political socialisation, providing members with a tangible sense of efficacy. Lastly, the findings also challenge the view that European parties must forgo traditional membership structures to adapt to modern political realities, underscoring the enduring potential for grassroots engagement and calling for a reassessment of how political systems themselves might influence and facilitate participatory engagement.