Federico Taddei
Linguistic precision matters, but the term 'hard right' isn’t the real threat to clarity. Federico Taddei argues that the real problem lies in how journalists and scholars misuse or oversimplify the categories political science has worked long and hard to define Read more
Corinna Kröber
The new German Bundestag will be smaller and more right-wing wing. And it will be more male-dominated. Corinna Kröber and Lena Stephan discuss how the political shift to the right and the new electoral law have influenced this trend, and the potential long-term consequences for women’s political representation in Germany Read more
James F. Downes
James F. Downes argues that the 2025 German election has upended decades of stability: the CDU’s rightward pivot and the AfD’s historic surge have left a fragmented parliament. With the SPD’s progressive coalition shattered, a shaky 'Grand Alliance' offers minimal respite. Germany’s turmoil threatens EU unity — and its own democratic foundations Read more
Martino Comelli
Across Europe, mainstream conservative parties are edging closer to ultranationalists and far-right populists. Many see this as a sudden turn. But Martino Comelli argues its roots are part of Christian Democratic strategy DNA. Historically, this strategy has balanced market liberalism with the desire to constrain mass politics Read more
Fabian Habersack
Political parties often adjust their policies to address emerging issues, or to attract — or regain — support. However, warns Fabian Habersack, such strategic pivots carry significant risks, especially if parties misjudge their electoral potential Read more
Polina Zavershinskaia
Russia-friendly parties are exploiting Europe’s war-torn past to justify Russia’s aggression and undermine Europe’s support for Ukraine. Polina Zavershinskaia argues that there is evidence in Germany and Italy that the strategy is working. Read more
Thomas Poguntke
Thomas Poguntke argues that the shock results of recent elections in two German Länder show how Germany's party system has lost its capacity to integrate radical challengers. As a result, coalition formation now increasingly requires alliances which do not work – and this feeds popular disaffection. Read more
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