The Shapes and Forms of Populism

Abstract

In this article we examine the diff erent types and manifestations of populism that are currently present in the European Union. We neither claim to provide a comprehensive analysis, nor are we experts on political populism. Nonetheless, this overview was fi rst put together for a study visit under the heading “Th e future of European integration: beyond crisis management and muddling through” from the Centre for European Studies at Chulalongkorn University at the Institute of the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM) to provide a very basic understanding for participating students. Th is paper was also presented at the 15th DRC Summer School. Th e article considers nine diff erent types of populism and connects them to eight European countries. Although the European Parliament elections will already have been held when this article is published, we included a ninth case about the EU Parliament to illustrate populist tendencies within a key legislative institution of the EU.