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Populist Radical Right: Illiberal Erosion or Liberal Decay? Assessing Theoretical Explanations in the Wake of the 2024 European Parliament Election

Author

Listed:
  • Alfonso A. López-Rodríguez

    (Political Analysis Research Group (Equipo de Investigacións Políticas), Departamento de Ciencia Política e Socioloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Jesus M. Benitez-Baleato

    (Political Analysis Research Group (Equipo de Investigacións Políticas), Departamento de Ciencia Política e Socioloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

This article identifies the structural factors underlying the rise of the Populist Radical Right (PRR) in Europe and evaluates its implications for liberal democracies. Our research finds that the emergence of the PRR is driven by the decay of democratic institutions resulting from the neoliberal globalization that was catalyzed by the collapse of the Soviet Union. We argue that the electoral success of the PRR lies in its capacity to use emotionally charged, single-issue narratives that resonate with the political demands of orphaned electorates, who engage in protest voting to express their frustrated expectations. Far from being an ephemeral phenomenon, we show that the PRR reflects structural transformations of the liberal political architecture, and is capable to further eroding democratic institutions by procedurally adopting liberal norms as a means to undermine them. A critical reassessment of the liberal perspective is necessary to address the dysfunctions of democratic institutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Alfonso A. López-Rodríguez & Jesus M. Benitez-Baleato, 2025. "Populist Radical Right: Illiberal Erosion or Liberal Decay? Assessing Theoretical Explanations in the Wake of the 2024 European Parliament Election," Societies, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-16, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:15:y:2025:i:8:p:211-:d:1713126
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dani Rodrik, 2018. "Populism and the economics of globalization," Journal of International Business Policy, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 1(1), pages 12-33, June.
    2. Cohen, Denis, 2020. "Between strategy and protest: how policy demand, political dissatisfaction and strategic incentives matter for far-right voting," Political Science Research and Methods, Cambridge University Press, vol. 8(4), pages 662-676, October.
    3. Inglehart, Ronald, 1971. "The Silent Revolution in Europe: Intergenerational Change in Post-Industrial Societies," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 65(4), pages 991-1017, December.
    4. Erik Bran Marino & Jesus M. Benitez-Baleato & Ana Sofia Ribeiro, 2024. "The Polarization Loop: How Emotions Drive Propagation of Disinformation in Online Media—The Case of Conspiracy Theories and Extreme Right Movements in Southern Europe," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-24, November.
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