How Right Is the Far Right? Exploring the Radical Right’s Economic Positioning

• In Event: Understanding Variation in Party Positions

Abstract

How economically right are 'radical right' parties and elites in Europe? During the last three decades, populist radical right parties (PRRPs) in Europe have made increasing electoral gains. Previously seen as 'neoliberal' or lacking clear economic stances, the positioning of these parties on economic issues remains less explored. In this study, I conduct an original survey of PRRP elites and present new evidence on their economic positioning on a series of global and domestic economic issues, as well as intra-party differences in elites' positioning and priorities based on the type of region ('winning' or 'losing') they represent. I find that PRRP elites position their parties mostly on the protectionist side on globalization while being more divided on domestic issues. Moreover, PRRP elites representing 'losing' regions are more likely to prioritize globalization and trade issues and position their parties in a more protectionist and left-wing direction on global and domestic economic issues respectively.

Author

• Alex Honeker, Texas A&M University at Qatar