A deeply personal connection sparked my exploration into the rise of right-wing populism. As a German-born child of Korean immigrants, the issue felt particularly significant to me. This journey began over six months ago during my sophomore year of college. As an International Affairs major, I chose ‘Comparative Politics in Western Europe’ for my region-specific course. My final paper asked, ‘Did the EU achieve its initial mission?’ Researching the EU’s post-WWII mission to prevent another war, I concluded it had, as there had been no wars among EU member states.
However, more in-depth research revealed a disturbing trend: the rise of right-wing populism. Motivated by these concerns, I investigated current trends in right-wing populism, comparing them to historical instances in Europe and assessing their socio-economic impacts. I aimed to understand how these movements could influence the EU’s stability and future.
Living in the U.S. has allowed me to observe the global nature of populism, particularly with the upcoming presidential elections. My research has shown populism as a ‘thin-centered ideology’ adaptable across different political contexts. This realization has opened new avenues for exploration in my upcoming work. Understanding political movements through historical and social lenses is crucial. How can we address the diverse concerns fueling populist movements while upholding inclusive, democratic principles? This question is vital for the future of Europe and global politics.
The rise of right-wing populism in Europe is not a new phenomenon. To understand its manifestation, we must look back to historical precedents, notably the Weimar Republic in Germany (1918-1933). This period, characterized by economic instability, political fragmentation, and social unrest, parallels contemporary Europe.
When I first started my research, I grappled with defining populism. The term seemed to encompass a broad spectrum of political movements and ideologies, making it frustrating and confusing to pin down. At the beginning of July, I attended a summer seminar with the European Center for Populism Studies, where I realized that my initial confusion was justified. Populism is indeed a broad concept with various manifestations. However, a breakthrough came when I encountered the work of political scientist Cas Mudde, who defines populism as a ‘thin-centered ideology’- a term initially perplexing but ultimately enlightening.
This concept was eye-opening. I had never considered populism an ideology; instead, I viewed it as a political strategy or communication style. Learning about the “thin-centered” nature of populism helped me understand why it can attach itself to various other ideologies, from right-wing nationalism to left-wing socialism. This learning curve was crucial in my research. It allowed me to see how populism, particularly right-wing populism, operates across different European contexts while maintaining core characteristics such as anti-elitism and the notion of representing the “pure people” against a “corrupt elite.”
As a German-born, I initially focused my research on Germany. However, studying the recent EU elections in June broadened my perspective significantly. I learned about populist movements across various European countries, each with unique characteristics yet sharing common themes. In France, the rise of the National Rally revealed a strong undercurrent of nationalism and skepticism towards the EU. Italy’s League party capitalized on economic frustrations and anti-immigrant sentiment, while Spain’s Vox highlighted cultural and regional identity issues. These movements, though different, shared a common thread of challenging the established political order and expressing a desire for change.
Learning about these countries expanded my understanding of how diverse contexts shape populist movements. It became clear that while Germany has unique challenges, the underlying issues resonate across Europe. This broader perspective has been invaluable, emphasizing the need to address populism as a complex, multifaceted issue. Reflecting on these developments, I see the importance of continued research and dialogue. Understanding the specific conditions in different countries can help us address the root causes of populist discontent and work towards a more united and resilient European Union.
Author: Joon Park