Denis Cenusa
Russia’s hybrid tactics — emboldening sovereigntist populism, spreading disinformation, and weaponising economic hardship — threaten EU enlargement. Countermeasures, argues Denis Cenusa, are thus essential to protecting the enlargement process and the Union’s strategic resilience The European Union’s enlargement process faces unprecedented hybrid threats as geopolitical disruptions mount and socio-economic conditions deteriorate. One of the EU’s […] Read more
Elizaveta Gaufman
Despite Donald Trump's erratic behaviour, his fan base has formed a loyalty ‘cult’ around him. Yet Elizaveta Gaufman and Adrian Favero explain how it is precisely his transgressive behaviour that is feeding Trump's charismatic authority. And this cult-like devotion of Trump loyalists, they argue, is reminiscent of darker times in US history Read more
Vlad Surdea-Hernea
Populist rhetoric is no longer confined to the fringes — it’s shaping mainstream political strategies across Europe. Vlad Surdea-Hernea argues that leadership transitions function as hidden catalysts, driving moderate parties to embrace anti-elite and people-centric narratives. These shifts redefine party identities but also ripple through political systems, altering the tone and content of public debate Read more
Rafael Labanino
Illiberal populists politicise regulatory agencies. Under populist governments, regulatory agencies engage primarily with interest groups which enjoy close connections to the ruling parties. This is bad news for democratic quality and the quality of governance, write Rafael Labanino and Michael Dobbins Read more
Courtney Blackington
Courtney Blackington and Frances Cayton argue that populist politicians tend to dog-whistle conspiracy theories when speaking to general audiences, but explicitly endorse them when speaking to supporters. Thus, politicians strategically invoke conspiracy theories to avoid blowback, while still managing to rally their core supporter base Read more
Camil Ungureanu
Camil Ungureanu and Delia Dumitrica examine the phenomenon of Diana Șoșoacă, Romania's far-right strongwoman leader and TikTok sensation. While the populist right tends to champion traditional gender roles, Șoșoacă is crafting fresh gender narratives that resonate with female voters, Read more
Oliver Gruber
Oliver Gruber and Philipp Schnell examine how populist radical-right parties are extending their influence far beyond traditional populist policy areas, such as immigration. Across Europe, these parties are switching their focus to education policy. Read more
Özlem Terzi
European politics are becoming increasingly emotional. But in times of war and rising autocratic populism, rational policy choices depend upon emotions to be effective. Özlem Terzi and Seda Gürkan argue that it's time for policy makers to start paying attention to fear and anger, but also to positive feelings. Read more
