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What drives right-wing populism in Europe? An empirical analysis

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  • Horbach, Jens

Abstract

The rising success of right-wing populist parties and governments affects the cooperation of states in many areas such as the mitigation of climate change or common solutions to the refugee problem. Therefore, a better understanding of the reasons behind the growing importance of right-wing attitudes and voter behaviour is crucial. The paper summarises the potential determinants of right-wing voting behaviour and attitudes including personal characteristics, the economic situation, peer and regional path dependencies, the role of social contacts and the political and institutional framework. The empirical analysis is based on the European Social Survey (wave 11 for 2023). The results of econometric estimations show that a low qualification level is positively correlated with right-wing attitudes and voter behaviour. European right-wing voters disproportionately use the internet and social media to obtain political information. Interestingly, the current economic situation is not correlated with right-wing attitudes and behaviour. In Germany, poor people are even less likely to vote for the right-wing party AfD.

Suggested Citation

  • Horbach, Jens, 2025. "What drives right-wing populism in Europe? An empirical analysis," Ruhr Economic Papers 1168, RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, University of Duisburg-Essen.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:rwirep:330178
    DOI: 10.4419/96973353
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sergei Guriev, 2018. "Economic Drivers of Populism," AEA Papers and Proceedings, American Economic Association, vol. 108, pages 200-203, May.
    2. Federico Favaretto & Michele Mariani, 2024. "EDMocracy: populism and democratic dissatisfaction in Europe," BAFFI CAREFIN Working Papers 24219, BAFFI CAREFIN, Centre for Applied Research on International Markets Banking Finance and Regulation, Universita' Bocconi, Milano, Italy.
    3. Sergei Guriev & Elias Papaioannou, 2022. "The Political Economy of Populism," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 60(3), pages 753-832, September.
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    JEL classification:

    • O52 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Europe
    • C25 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions; Probabilities
    • P10 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - General
    • Y80 - Miscellaneous Categories - - Related Disciplines - - - Related Disciplines

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