Yes, English
Problems and objectives
Since the end of the Second World War, European and Western democracies have been built on a compromise combining the rule of law, social protection and the promise of progress. However, since the 2010s, this model has been undergoing a profound crisis, marked by the rise of movements and parties described as nationalist-populist.
History and context
This contribution proposes to analyse national populism not only as an identity-based or anti-elite phenomenon, but also as a socio-economic response to the erosion of the welfare state and neoliberal globalisation. It shows that these movements thrive on feelings of social decline, rising inequality and loss of confidence in democratic institutions, in a context of growing disinformation and challenges to the rule of law.
Organizations for organization, support and funding
FNR Luxembourg/ Populex projects of Council of Europe
Methods and tools used
Using a comparative approach, the analysis draws on several emblematic case studies: the MAGA movement in the United States, Viktor Orbán's Hungary, and developments observed in France (Rassemblement National) and Germany (Alternative für Deutschland). These examples illustrate how national populism can become an ideological cement for new forms of authoritarian or illiberal governance, while claiming democratic legitimacy.
The article also highlights the importance of the socio-economic dimensions of national populism, particularly through the concepts of welfare chauvinism and the workfare state, which redefine access to social rights based on identity and moral criteria.
Analysis and lessons learned
Finally, this contribution emphasises that the current crisis facing democracies is not only institutional, but also cognitive and educational. It calls for a reaffirmation of critical thinking and the role of civic and historical education, particularly through European initiatives such as the Observatory of History Teaching in Europe (OHTE), supported by the Council of Europe, in order to strengthen informed citizen participation and democratic resilience.
See also
Pascal Perrineau et Quinn Slobodan
References
F. Albert, Populismes et fabrique des droits économiques et sociaux dans le cadre des droits de l’Homme. Le FN et l’UDC (1992-2013). Avril 2021, Université du Luxembourg 🇱🇺
