Many have argued that the rise of populism presents a danger to liberal democracy. But do supporters of populist parties oppose liberal democracy? Using an original survey instrument covering 28 European democracies, we examine support for aspects of liberal democracy among populist- and nonpopulist-party supporters. Our findings show that it is not primarily populism, but rather incumbency status that correlates with a lack of support for liberal-democratic norms that can constrain majority rule. This is especially the case for radical-right party supporters who favor liberal democracy when in opposition, but oppose core liberal-democratic norms when in government.
About the Authors
Wouter van der Brug
Wouter van der Brug is professor of political science at the University of Amsterdam.
Sara B. Hobolt holds the Sutherland Chair in European Institutions and is professor of government at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Hermann Schmitt is emeritus professor at the University of Manchester and a Research Fellow at the Mannheim Center for Eu-ropean Social Research, University of Mannheim.
The “democratic deconsolidation” thesis is overblown. Emancipative values continue to spread worldwide, and clearly point to brighter democratic days ahead.
When ordinary voters are given a choice between democracy and partisan loyalty, who will put democracy first? Frighteningly, Europe harbors a deep reservoir of authoritarian potential.
