Populism in Europe

The last 3-5 years has seen a growth in populist movements across Europe. In contrast to previous years, these movements are characterised by a) greater co-ordination across national borders; b) a focus on values (sometimes traditionally left wing values) and xenophobia rather than race; and c) emphasis on local activism and street demonstrations in addition to traditional electoral politics. This is of concern to policymakers at both a European, national and local level. This has become increasingly the case following the terrorist attacks in Oslo. 

Gone are the race-based views and anti-semitism that previously characterised the far right. In its place is an emphasis on culture and values in the face of increasing immigration and the perceived cultural threat from the growth of Islam in Europe. This narrative of a new culture war is compelling and has led to shifting re-alignments, with many on the left holding the banner against immigration and Islam. The growing political power of these parties has exerted a gravitational pull on the centre ground, with countries like France banning the Burqa, and top politicians such as David Cameron and Angela Merkel declaring the end of multiculturalism. 

Alongside the electoral success of populist political parties, there has been a rise of street-based populist groups, some of which have extremist elements. These groups, like the English Defence League (EDL), style themselves as pseudo-paramilitary organizations, and utilise the Internet and social network sites to organise demonstrations and recruit new members.

But the exact nature, seriousness and extent of these trends are underexplored. Any response must be carefully considered, involve many partners, and be informed by rigorous research. Demos is undertaking a research project to explore and document the contours of this right wing populism in Europe. This combines country-based primary research and a large scale survey of right wing populist activist  in the following countries: the UK, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Italy and Hungary. 

This project will culminate in a preliminary report setting out the survey results and what it means for European policy makers. The report will be launched at a public conference in Brussels in early autumn.

The research will explore  this growth in far-right activity:

• To what extent are groups similar to the EDL organising in other European countries?
• What are their main concerns, and how do they mobilise?
• Are the street-based groups connected with formal political parties, more extreme Nazi groups, or other European groups?

To answer these questions, Demos is undertaking one of the most comprehensive research projects into the populism in Europe to date. This includes a large survey of activists and sympathisers, and in-country fieldwork with populist activists across several European countries, including the UK, France, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany and Hungary.  

The research will be part of a larger programme of research into the rise of xenophobia in Europe. 

Our results will be published in autumn 2011.

For more information about this work, contact Jonathan Birdwell or Jamie Bartlett.

To request an interview or comment from Jamie or Jonathan contact Beatrice Karol Burks.