A new study from the Center for Britain and Europe (CBE) highlights a major change in Europe’s political landscape, showing that populist radical right (PRR) ideas are no longer on the fringes but have moved into the mainstream. The research challenges the common belief that PRR parties are minor players in European politics. “The radical right is no longer on the sidelines; it’s shaping core political debates and is increasingly part of government coalitions across Europe,” the authors note.

While nativist and authoritarian values haven’t yet become fully mainstream, the rise of populism has undeniably changed our understanding of politics. “Populism has become a key feature of today’s politics, influencing party strategies and ideologies throughout Europe,” the researchers say.

The study also highlights the CBE’s support for young scholars, with a contribution from Mirko Crulli, a visiting postgraduate researcher in 2022.

As PRR ideas become more integrated into mainstream politics, the study stresses that European democracies must rethink how political parties interact with the public and with each other in this fast-changing environment.