John Chin
Since 2024, Slovakia has witnessed democratic backsliding and major political unrest. The future of populist nationalism in Slovakia – and Slovakia’s position in Europe – are at stake. John Chin and Daniel Hayase contextualise this unrest, reviewing the challenges posed by Prime Minister Robert Fico’s efforts to consolidate power and to build a bridge between […] Read more
Gülşen Doğan
Amid rising authoritarian populism, how do cities deal with migrants? Gülşen Doğan highlights how cities' innovative migration policies are helping to promote democratic resilience and multi-level cooperation in the face of global challenges. Cities, she argues, are key actors in the defence of democracy and social inclusion Read more
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 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
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