Abstract
Among other compelling factors, the ramifications of the Eurozone crisis and a contentious refugee crisis at the European shores and borders gave incentive to the re-assertion of European populism. Across continental Europe, populist politics is undoubtedly gaining political spotlight; though they remain peripheral within the large political sphere. Arguably, these parties often exhibit certain traits, which lead to their monolithic description, yet there is incongruity amongst them. In as much as democracy allows the freedom of expression and liberal political participation, it is nevertheless embedded with degree of contradictions. The narratives and actions of European populist parties and their constituents embody those contradictions. These contradictions by extension contrive radical effects on the European political theatre. Radical populist politics that now inundates European political landscape is actually spirited by the existence of hibernated but political radical germs. Populism and anti-Europeanism is trendy because of socialization breakdown, a political rupture that paves way for oppositional values based on radical ideology with the intent to cause radical replacement of the dominant ideology. Radical populism has reengineered political discourse, a shift from politically incorrect to acceptable political narratives. With the market theory of supply and demand, this paper considers political ideology as commodity and the electorates as rational actors (buyers), capable and at liberty to make rational choices on what sort of political commodity best suits their interest. The implication is the propensity of the electorates to switch loyalty from one (political) product to another. Lastly, the paper explores how impactful radical populism could be on the European political theatre and whether or not radical populism endangers democracy, breaches minority right, contribute to anti-egalitarian and anti-humanitarian policy.
Highlights
The recent wave of populism should not be confused as the dawn of a new political era in Europe; instead far-right populism has a relatively long history in the continent, which goes back to the interwar period, up till the end of the World War II.Dr Bakare Najimdeen teaches at the Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) Islamabad. [55]Policy PerspectivesIn the present day Europe, the family of far-right parties is spread and active in both aged-mature and newly democratic states on the continent
They maintain a monopoly of both share distinctive agenda, while the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is seemingly anti-Semitism, populism in Germany, PEGIDA is vehemently anti-Islam and its narrative is embraced racist in all ramifications,24 but their and celebrated by the common grounds remain on the notion that "Islam does not belong to Patriotic Europeans Germany", public exhibition of Islam against the Islamisation mustn’t stand parallel to "the free, democratic social foundation, our of the West
The wave of populism in Europe is richly cloaked in far-right regalia, having overarching claims of being the parties of freedom, fighting for the dissatisfied citizens, freedom against elitism and underrepresentation in the system
Summary
The recent wave of populism should not be confused as the dawn of a new political era in Europe; instead far-right populism has a relatively long history in the continent, which goes back to the interwar period, up till the end of the World War II. The AfD does not muscle flexing is increasingly noticeable in state parliaments They maintain a monopoly of both share distinctive agenda, while the AfD is seemingly anti-Semitism, populism in Germany, PEGIDA is vehemently anti-Islam and its narrative is embraced racist in all ramifications, but their and celebrated by the common grounds remain on the notion that "Islam does not belong to Patriotic Europeans Germany", public exhibition of Islam against the Islamisation mustn’t stand parallel to "the free, democratic social foundation, our of the West. Since 2012, the Golden Dawn, a neo-fascist and ultra-right party has made foothold in the Greek parliament and ever since remained a reckonable force within the Greek political landscape The party made it to the third position during the 2015 parliamentary elections (with 18 MPs) and has remained adamant to promoting pro-Nazi symbols and narrative.. In October 2015 parliamentary election, the party showcased its political stamina; had a record win of 29.4% of the total votes, meaning 65 or 200 seats in the lower house. Domestically, the Swiss People's Party disdains the migrant community and externally defies the EU’s Schengen
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Policy Perspectives: The Journal of the Institute of Policy Studies
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
