Populism in Central and Eastern Europe: Manifestations and Impact in Interdisciplinary Perspective

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

In light of the increasing autocratization of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), this thematic cluster focuses on the many manifestations of (right-wing) populism and illiberalism and their impact on CEE politics and societies. The interdisciplinary approach constitutes the main contribution of this cluster, which includes four articles that analyze specific aspects of the “cameleon” of populism. While much of the literature explores the political side of populism, we shed light on its relation to political culture and gender and to contexts such as post-communist economies and war. The post-communist CEE allows us to draw broader conclusions about the manifestations and consequences of populism in power due to the variety of empirical cases within this relatively small region. Not least, the political and institutional success of populism in CEE transcends its physical borders, as leaders like Orbán have long been role models for populists such as Donald Trump, Geert Wilders, and others. Emerging from the EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network “Delayed Transformational Fatigue in Central and Eastern Europe: Responding to the Rise of Illiberalism/Populism” (FATIGUE), this cluster is a collaborative project of early career scholars.