Description
Developing a critical analysis of both left- and right-wing populist movements and notorious populist leaders throughout Central and Eastern Europe, the book explores the ways in which populism has spread through developed and developing countries in both established and more recent democracies. Chapters investigate the origins of nationalist populism in the region, from historical trauma and social and economic instability to the emerging crisis facing traditional parties and institutions. It further considers the progressive impact of social media as a means through which populist leaders can penetrate the political space. Positioning itself in defence of liberal democracy, the book ultimately seeks to uncover what unites and inspires the populist community emerging across Central and Eastern Europe.
Contributing to the urgent scholarly debate surrounding the rise of populist leaders, political parties, and movements throughout Central and Eastern Europe, this incisive volume will be an essential read for researchers and academics invested in better understanding why the region is such a hotbed of European populism.
About the Author
Edited by Simona Kukovic, Associate Professor of Political Science, School of Advanced Social Studies in Nova Gorica and Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia and Petr Just, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Metropolitan University Prague, Czech Republic
Reviews
'The Rise of Populism in Central and Eastern Europe provides an insightful and valuable overview of how some political parties and actors have capitalised on the gradual rejection of the liberal elite censuses across post-communist countries of central and eastern Europe. The book is well crafted and skilfully edited to present chapters, from across central and eastern Europe, which provide a series of explorations as to how citizen alienation from political elites and the liberal consensus can see the rise of new political movements which challenge the established order. The book is an excellent addition to our knowledge and understanding of developing political phenomena.' -- Colin Copus, Emeritus Professor of Local Politics, De Montfort University, Leicester and Visiting Professor, Ghent University, Belgium
'This very important book on populism in Central and Eastern Europe is especially timely, given the threats to democracy, the war in the Ukraine, the pandemic, and ongoing political polarization. Populism has risen around the world and emerged as a major political force in the region in countries such as Hungary, Slovenia, and Poland. This book contains excellent chapters by leading scholars in the region on the forces responsible for this surge in populism and its political and social impact on the region's politics and policy. This book will immediately be the authoritative source for scholars, policymakers, and the broader citizenry interested in understanding populism in the region and the potential implications for democratic politics.' -- Steven Rathgeb Smith, American Political Science Association, US
'The volume of studies written by political scientists from Central Europe offers new insights into the debates on the origins and consequences of the rise of populism in their part of Europe. It provides data on the trends of support for populist politicians as well as analyses of the ideological contours of populist politics. The authors point to the linkage between populism and nationalism and discuss the ways in which new democracies may be able to defend themselves. As such, the volume constitutes an important reading both for political scientists and for the general public.' -- Jerzy Wiatr, University of Warsaw, Poland
Book Information
ISBN 9781802205527
Author Simona Kukovic
Format Hardback
Page Count 224
Imprint Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
Publisher Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
