Morgül, Kerem. (2025). “Right-Wing Populist Political Movements.” Pp.7-13 in D. Snow, D. McAdam, & D. Moss (eds), Contemporary Social Movements: Historical and Descriptive Accounts. Wiley Blackwell.

The twenty-first century has seen a marked rise in the political influence of the right-wing populist parties and movements, distinguished by antiestablishment rhetoric, ethnonationalist fervor, and authoritarian tendencies. This chapter analyzes the defining characteristics of this global trend and the factors driving its ascent. Right-wing populism is conceptualized as an amalgamation of populism, ethnonationalism, and authoritarianism. Populism is defined by the mobilization of unified people around a transgressive political endeavor, simplifying politics into a conflict between the sovereign people and self-serving elites. Ethnonationalism underscores a shared ethnic identity as the foundation for national belonging, frequently advocating stringent immigration controls. Authoritarianism is evident in centralized power, the erosion of the rule of law, and constrained political freedoms. The proliferation of right-wing populism has been particularly pronounced in Europe, with notable instances in Hungary, Poland, Italy, and the Netherlands. Influential populist figures like Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro have also emerged globally, often challenging democratic institutions and advancing (ethno)nationalist agendas. The chapter explores the implications of these movements for democratic governance and societal cohesion. The rise of right-wing populism is examined through demand-side and supply-side explanations.