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How Populism and Polarization Affect Europe’s Liberal Democracies

Author

Listed:
  • Heidi Schulze

    (GESIS—Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences, Germany)

  • Marlene Mauk

    (GESIS—Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences, Germany)

  • Jonas Linde

    (Department of Comparative Politics, University of Bergen, Norway)

Abstract

In recent years, two phenomena have put Europe’s liberal democracies under strain: populism and polarization. The rise of populist parties, the increasing radicalization of publics and political discourse, as well as the expansion of hyperpartisan media have caused concern among observers and citizens alike. While lively academic discussions have revolved around the causes of these phenomena, research regarding their real-world consequences has been sparse. This thematic issue wants to address this gap in the literature and contribute to developing strategies for mitigating potential threats populism and polarization may pose to liberal democracies. To this end, it examines how populism and polarization affect citizens across Europe. It links research on audiences of hyperpartisan media with work on elite-induced polarization, populist conceptions of democracy, election results and support for the democratic system, and policy-making by populist governments.

Suggested Citation

  • Heidi Schulze & Marlene Mauk & Jonas Linde, 2020. "How Populism and Polarization Affect Europe’s Liberal Democracies," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 8(3), pages 1-5.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:poango:v:8:y:2020:i:3:p:1-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Reinhard Heinisch & Carsten Wegscheider, 2020. "Disentangling How Populism and Radical Host Ideologies Shape Citizens’ Conceptions of Democratic Decision-Making," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 8(3), pages 32-44.
    2. Heidi Schulze, 2020. "Who Uses Right-Wing Alternative Online Media? An Exploration of Audience Characteristics," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 8(3), pages 6-18.
    3. Shanto Iyengar & Sean J. Westwood, 2015. "Fear and Loathing Across Party Lines: New Evidence on Group Polarization," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 59(3), pages 690-707, July.
    4. Lars Erik Berntzen, 2020. "How Elite Politicization of Terror Impacts Sympathies for Partisans: Radical Right versus Social Democrats," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 8(3), pages 19-31.
    5. Attila Bartha & Zsolt Boda & Dorottya Szikra, 2020. "When Populist Leaders Govern: Conceptualising Populism in Policy Making," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 8(3), pages 71-81.
    6. Margaret Canovan, 1999. "Trust the People! Populism and the Two Faces of Democracy," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 47(1), pages 2-16, March.
    7. Hetherington, Marc J., 1998. "The Political Relevance of Political Trust," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 92(4), pages 791-808, December.
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    Cited by:

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    3. Laura Cervi & Santiago Tejedor & Mónica Gracia Villar, 2023. "Twitting Against the Enemy: Populist Radical Right Parties Discourse Against the (Political) “Other”," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 11(2), pages 235-248.

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