NAVIGATING IMPACT AND FUTURE IMPLICATIONS OF POPULISM IN WESTERN EUROPE

Abstract

The common denominator of nationalist populist European leaders is that EU should be less united. Since 2009 Euro crisis and 2015 migrant crisis, right-wing populist movements have increased in strength and number. They all accuse Brussels of acting as a dictator. Ironically, the populist parties do participate in democratic election for Brussels-based EU parliament. They often repeat a conspiracy that mainstream leaders want to replace Europeans with low paid migrants. They may say some provocative or even hateful things but their language and ideas are consistent all across Europe and they are clearly effective.
Pollsters predict that these eurosceptic parties will see a significant rise in votes in the European election. Ironically, it’s the Eurosceptic parties that seem to be doing the best job building pan-European politics.
The rising tendency of populism also has its demonstration effects. A review of populism wave across several countries in Europe perhaps reveals that the populism is being intentionally exported or specific actors undertake efforts to boost the electoral fortunes of populist parties. Brietbart News Network is one such prominent platform. It is an alt-right media company that was formerly headed by White House advisor Steve Bannon. Additionally, leaders of Europe’s far-right parties have strengthened ties among themselves.