As times have changed, we have seen a rise in the popularity of populism in recent years, especially in Europe, where the trend has been growing rapidly. Populism is a political philosophy which advocates for the interests and concerns of ordinary people, as opposed to those of the elite and is typically characterised by a strong opposition to neoliberal policies and globalisation. In this article, we’ll discuss the rise of populist movements and political parties in Europe, investigate some of the causes behind their emergence, and explore how this phenomenon is changing the political landscape.
Definition of Populism
Populism is a very broad term which can mean different things to different people, but historically has often been linked to right-wing politics. At its core, populism is a belief that ordinary people’s views should be listened to and given greater weight than those of experts and elites. It is anti-establishment, anti-elitist and anti-immigration in nature, but it also often promotes economic protectionism, direct or participatory democracy, and social conservatism.
The Rise of Populism in Europe
Populist movements have been gaining traction across Europe since the early 21st century. This rise has been largely attributed to a variety of factors, including an increase in social disparities and the spread of anti-immigrant sentiment. Many pro-populist parties such as the UK Independence Party (UKIP), France National Rally (formerly National Front), and Italy’s Lega Nord, have seen soaring support in recent years. This suggests that there is indeed a demand for a new kind of politics which emphasises the importance of ordinary citizens’ voices in decision-making.
Ongoing Causes of the Rise of Populist Movements
Some of the primary causes behind the rise of populist movements in Europe include:
•Austerity – Populism has flourished in countries which have endured deep economic austerity programmes. These austerity measures, which typically involve public spending cuts, often result in income inequality, poverty, and deep social divisions. This has led people to become disillusioned with the established political class, creating a vacuum filled by more radical political forces.
•Immigration – Populist parties often play off fears of immigration, portraying immigrants as a threat to the safety and cultural identity of a nation. This has been used to exploit public anxieties and widen the divide between foreign ‘others’ and the native population.
•Inequality – In many European countries, populist parties have gained traction in areas where there are large disparities in wealth and income. This has created a sense of injustice and a feeling of abandonment by the political elite, which populist movements have been able tap into and mobilise to their advantage.
•The Media – Traditional media outlets such as newspapers and television networks have often been used to propagate populist agendas. By spreading unsubstantiated claims, inflammatory language and polarising rhetoric, they have been instrumental in providing a platform for far-right and anti-immigrant rhetoric.
•The Rise of Social Media – Social media has had a significant impact on the rise of populism in Europe. Through platforms such as Facebook, populists have been able to spread their message to a large audience with little or no cost. In addition, social media has allowed them to bypass more traditional media outlets and craft their own narrative, giving them more control and a greater ability to shape public opinion.
The Impact of Populist Movements
Populism in Europe has had a profound effect on the political landscape. For example, several right-leaning political parties have gained ground as a result of their embrace of populist ideas and rhetoric. The far right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is a prime example of this, having entered the Bundestag in 2017 and currently polling as the second most popular party in the country. Similarly, the Lega Nord received 17% of the vote in the 2018 Italian general election, making them the largest party in the coalition.
At the same time, populist movements have also pushed social policies to the right in many European countries, for example through their anti-immigrant rhetoric and opposition to progressive ideals such as LGBTQ rights and gender equality. This suggests that there is a risk of populism leading to further polarisation and exacerbating already existing divisions in European society.
The Growth of Populism Outside of Europe
While populism has certainly been on the rise in Europe, it is by no means confined to this region and has been gaining ground in many other countries around the world. In the United States, President Donald Trump rose to power using populist rhetoric and tapping into the anxieties of many hard-working Americans. Furthermore, populist movements in Latin America have seen significant growth in recent years, with the right-leaning Jair Bolsonaro currently leading Brazil and the ‘neo-populist’ Andrés Manuel López Obrador winning the 2018 Mexican election.
The rise of populist movements in Europe and beyond has been both remarkable and concerning. Populism has led to a shift in the political landscape in many European countries, with the prominence of far-right parties on the rise. At the same time, populist policies have pushed the social agenda to the right and threatened the rights of minorities and marginalised groups. While the causes of this trend are complex and multiple, it is clear that populism is here to stay and will continue to have an impact on politics around the world.