The Changing Faces of Populism: Systemic Challengers in Europe and the U.S.

Populism is both a reaction to, and a product of, the growing distance between citizens and their institutions of governance, whether that is at state or European level. This publication represents an effort to further understand these movements―and the conditions that allow for their growth―through rigorous, multidisciplinary research and empirical analysis. The variety of interpretations contained in the book points to the intractability and complexity of this issue.
This book offers a selection of case studies of nine European countries plus two broader regions (Nordic countries and Central-Eastern European countries), plus, by way of comparison, the United States. It thus reflects the diversity and wide spectrum of movements that presently exist in the European Union, providing a snapshot of groups ranging from new street movements and quasi-parliamentary organizations to those that have been somewhat systematized.

Hedwig Giusto is responsible for international relations at the Fondazione Italianieuropei.

David Kitching is policy advisor at the Foundation for European Progressive Studies, where he is responsible for international affairs and research activities ranging from populism and extremism to active citizenship.

Stefano Rizzo has taught international relations at the University of Rome, La Sapienza. He is a journalist and has written extensively on international politics, specializing on the United States political system.