210139 SE M9: Eastern European Studies;Populism and Democratic Backsliding in Eastern Europe (2024S)

The rise of - mostly radical right wing – populist forces in recent years is a global process, of which Eastern Europe is part. What makes the region stand out is the early incumbency of populist parties who, once in power engage in a series of political and legal changes with the aim to roll back liberal democracy. How can we make sense of this development? What explains the rise of populist forces, their incumbency and their political agenda? Is there necessarily a link between populism and democratic backsliding? What are similarities and differences among populist parties in the region? These are some of the questions tackled in the seminar. To address them, the seminar will cover core concepts of populism and democratic backsliding, survey explanations of the rise of populism in Eastern Europe and beyond, and look at specific country cases and policies.