Gang Violence Impact on Radical Right Support: A Sweden Case Study

• In Event: You Spin Me Right Round, Baby, Far-Right Round

Abstract

The surge in nativism and the ascendancy of radical-right parties are frequently linked to elevated crime rates. Yet, the actual impact of residing in areas with elevated gang violence on the support for radical right parties by native populations remains a largely unexplored facet of this complex issue. This paper makes a novel contribution to the literatures on causes of support for the radical right parties by analysing the effects of gang violence in Sweden on the support for the Sverige Democrats. Empirically, I utilize the Swedish SOM surveys (2017-21) to test the hypothesis. The study found that indigenous Swedes residing in regions characterized by escalated gang violence exhibit heightened support for the far-right Sweden Democrats. Notably, this effect is more pronounced among older demographics. Concurrently, these areas manifest reduced support for the then incumbent social democrats. Furthermore, these locales demonstrate an increased predisposition towards hostility against liberal democratic principles, including intolerance towards immigrants and multiculturalism. These findings underscore the exigency for thorough research and well-informed policy responses to confront the multifaceted challenges arising from the coexistence of gang violence and its repercussions on the escalating nativism in contemporary Sweden.

Author

• Naman Rawat, Stockholm University