Visnja Vukov
ComparingĀ CentralĀ andĀ EasternĀ EuropeĀ withĀ theĀ WesternĀ Balkans, Visnja Vukov argues that the EUās governance of economic integration is a decisive lever of transformation. When the EU prioritises and credibly enforces these requirements, itĀ constrains rent-seeking and weakens state capture. When the EU defers them, however, governments can entrench clientelist politicalāeconomic coalitions Read more
Camil Ungureanu
Camil Ungureanu and Delia Dumitrica examine the phenomenon of Diana ČoČoacÄ, Romania's far-right strongwoman leader and TikTok sensation. While the populist right tends to champion traditional gender roles, ČoČoacÄ is crafting fresh gender narratives that resonate with female voters, Read more
Thomas Poguntke
Thomas Poguntke argues that the shock results of recent elections in two German LƤnder 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 ā and this feeds popular disaffection. Read more
Jan Philipp Thomeczek
The Left (Die Linke) in Germany is one of the most established left-wing populist parties in Europe. But it may soon experience a split, Jan Philipp Thomeczek argues, as Sahra Wagenknecht may form her own party. He places this within the German historical context, and within that of populist movements more broadly Read more
George Kordas
George Kordas argues that repeat elections can benefit democracy if democratic mechanisms function effectively, giving voice to people frustrated with the current system. But when, as in Bulgaria, elections produce paralysis, and old powers continue in office, this compromises citizensā belief in democracy Read more
Ivo Kesler
Ivo Kesler argues that the emergence of the far-right populist Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) reflects the contested legacy of legionarism and fascism in Romania. AUR is growing in popularity, and with parliamentary elections coming in 2024, the party constitutes a real threat to the mainstream Read more
Laura Luciani
As the liberal norms promoted by the EU are fiercely contested, human rights groups in the South Caucasus face an insecure environment. Some propose alternatives to human rights promotion that challenge both the EUās development paradigms and competing authoritarian agendas. Laura Luciani argues that we should take them seriously Read more
Aida Halilovic
Aida Halilovic argues that Putinās (flawed) narrative of his invasion of Ukraine is best understood through a historical lens. She highlights the substantial minorities who now live in non-kin states in Europe, and their place in the security landscape of Europe To understand Russiaās rhetoric, it is important to grasp the role that minorities have […] Read more
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