Populism in Europe: Far-Right Movements and EU Challenges
13:29October 10, 2024
In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski discusses the rise of populism in Europe with Robin Quinville, Director of the Wilson Center's Global Europe Program. They explore the factors contributing to the popularity of far-right movements, including migration, economic uncertainty, and the polarization of political parties. The conversation also touches on the implications of these trends on EU leadership.
Takeaways
- Macron's gamble with snap elections in France was risky.
- Migration has been a significant factor in the rise of populism.
- Economic shifts and uncertainty fuel populist sentiments.
- Concerns about job security are prevalent among the populace.
- The rise of far-right parties is accompanied by leftist movements.
- Polarization is increasing across Europe, affecting traditional parties.
- The UK's electoral system differs significantly from other European countries.
- Incumbency fatigue can lead to shifts in political power.
- Austria's upcoming elections will reflect broader European trends.
- Ursula von der Leyen faces challenges in uniting EU member states.
Global Europe Program
The Global Europe Program is focused on Europe’s capabilities, and how it engages on critical global issues. We investigate European approaches to critical global issues. We examine Europe’s relations with Russia and Eurasia, China and the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. Our initiatives include “Ukraine in Europe” – an examination of what it will take to make Ukraine’s European future a reality. But we also examine the role of NATO, the European Union and the OSCE, Europe’s energy security, transatlantic trade disputes, and challenges to democracy. The Global Europe Program’s staff, scholars-in-residence, and Global Fellows participate in seminars, policy study groups, and international conferences to provide analytical recommendations to policy makers and the media. Read more