Disunity through Division
In the current political landscape, established parties are finding it increasingly challenging to address the interests of their voters, according to Endre Borbath, a political scientist at the University of Heidelberg. To maintain their audience, these parties are often reliant on conflicts among themselves and with left and right populists who exploit representational gaps.
These populist movements, whether on the left or right, share a common structural framework. Anti-elitism, a rhetoric that pits "the people" against a corrupt or out-of-touch elite, is a core feature. Both claim to represent the genuine will and interests of the common people, often contrasting them with an allegedly detached or self-serving elite.
Each side frames politics as a conflict between "the pure people" and "the corrupt elite," though who is considered “the elite” differs. Left populists view capitalist oppressors as the enemy, while right populists target political and cultural elites. Both strands express distrust toward the existing political system and institutions, claiming that traditional parties have failed to address the needs of ordinary citizens.
In questions of immigration and European integration, the established parties are often divided, providing an opening for populist movements. Both left and right populism tend to use media attention and rhetoric to amplify their message and mobilize support against perceived elites and establishment politics.
However, the underlying values and definitions of who “the people” and “the elite” are differ markedly. Left-wing populism focuses on economic democracy, social justice, egalitarian ideals, and tends to support minority rights and inclusive nationalism. Right-wing populism, on the other hand, often emphasizes national or cultural identity, and frequently employs anti-immigrant sentiments and cultural conservatism to define “the people” in ethnic or cultural terms.
It's important to note that left-wing populism can adopt nationalist tendencies, as demonstrated by Slovakia's left-wing Prime Minister Robert Fico's decision not to accept Muslim refugees during the refugee crisis. Similarly, right-wing populists, while emphasizing their loyalty to the constitution, often question fundamental values such as the protection of minorities and anti-discrimination provisions.
Despite these differences, both left and right populism share more similarities than might initially appear. They both skepticism towards the establishment and the EU, and critiques of globalization and capitalism. The radical right is on the rise in Germany and Europe, but the increase cannot be fully explained by a shift to the right in society.
In response, democratic centrist and center-left parties should actively engage with citizens, taking their concerns seriously to present a diverse and future-oriented offer, according to Werner Patzelt. As political decision-making processes become harder to understand due to the increasing fragmentation of society, it's crucial for these parties to maintain transparency and open dialogue with their constituents.
The increasing global interdependence of political, economic, and social systems presents national states with immense challenges in terms of their ability to act and find solutions. Yet, both left and right populists often promise a return to a utopian world protected from global economic cycles. However, as Borbath points out, there is no risk of right-wing populists sliding into a guided democracy or an authoritarian regime.
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