Different Abroad? How Romanian Migrants’ Understand Populist Messages

The growing prominence of populist discourses on migration across Europe, notably in Eastern European countries transitioning from long-standing emigration contexts to becoming migration-receiving societies, has shaped public interest. Although existing scholarship has examined populism as an ideology, communication style or political strategy, less attention has been paid to how migrants themselves understand and experience these messages. This paper seeks to fill this void by focusing on how Romanian migrants interpret populist statements on migration. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with members of the Romanian diaspora, the study explores how migration trajectories, experiences with host-country integration regimes, and ties to Romania shape these interpretations. The findings indicate that migrants’ understandings of populist messages vary considerably and are mediated by individual experiences of inclusion or exclusion, perceived discrimination, feelings of being welcomed, and concerns related to personal security. By foregrounding migrants’ perspectives, the paper contributes to research on populism and migration by illustrating how populist discourses are interpreted by migrants linked to both their country of origin and country of residence.