The Consequence of Timing & Messaging in the Development of Nationalist Parties

• In Event: Nationalism, Authoritarianism, and Parties

Abstract

As the presence of nationalist political parties has seemingly increased in western democratic regimes over the past twenty years, so too have social scientists given their attention to this phenomenon. However, the attention to this area has been mixed as some have simply grouped far-right parties (e.g. populists, anti-immigrant, nationalist, etc.) together, while others use terms like “populist nationalist” to describe parties or their leaders. This points to a particular problem within the study of nationalist political parties, namely that they are both under-theorized and over simplified. Therefore, this research addresses the unique context and content of nationalist political parties, while also seeking to address their overall development and strength within certain contexts. Using a small-N comparative historical analysis of nationalist political parties in Central and Eastern Europe, this project contends that the development and success of nationalist political parties depends on the timing of the party’s development and more importantly on the policy framework employed by the party.

Author

• Sean D Harris, Temple University