The Political Institute of Action Research

Authors: Peter Napier (Head Researcher), Edwin Bratteselius-Thunfors (Head Researcher), Finian Ayliffe, Finlay Clark, Jean-Luc Marchand, Embla Reykdal

Editor: Teodora-Irina Burtescu Editor-In-Chief: Cadence Mak Deputy Editor: Grace Risucci

Executive Summary

This paper investigates the key factors behind the rise of populism in contemporary Europe, focusing on both wider populist trends as well as individual national case studies. It does so by reviewing academic literature on populism and relating the core debates in the field to contemporary news and survey findings. To begin with, the paper establishes that populism is not monolithic in Europe, varying on a case-by-case basis across the continent. Nonetheless, it provides evidence that overarching sentiments surrounding “elites” and their perceived negative influence are rising throughout Europe, fuelling the rise of populism.

The paper then analyses the historical narratives underpinning populism and their appeal to voters. It shows that many populist parties in Europe have created a discourse that portrays their nation’s native population as members of a superior civilisation which has fallen from its glory, while simultaneously constructing an opposing “other” group that is at least partially responsible for this decline. Populist parties can shift focus from quantifiable factors, such as economic growth, to more abstract perceptions of national identity to increase their popularity, even in times when the liberal status quo appears to be benefiting a country.

This project also explores the centrality of leadership in the success of populist parties, given their “strongman” rhetoric and focus on charismatic political figures. The usage of communication technologies further facilitated their success through strategies such as “microtargeting”, wielding a disproportionately strong influence over digital political engagement.

Finally, the paper shows how the Russian state has both influenced and supported this contemporary rise of populism throughout Europe. This was achieved through Russia’s “official nationalism” providing an ideological alternative to European populist parties that aren’t necessarily in favour of the liberal democratic values espoused by supranational organisations such as the European Union (EU). The case of the German right-wing populist Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party is then discussed to highlight Russia’s direct support for populist European parties, given that the AfD received financial support from third-party agents of the Russian state. The paper concludes that this rise of populism can be attributed to the complex interplay between the key factors discussed. Populist theorists have been able to create a narrative that supports their increasingly nationalist and alarmist claims, their politicians have been able to effectively convey this narrative, and digital communication platforms have acted as an extremely effective medium through which this can be achieved; these results were expedited by Russian involvement.