The Interdisciplinary Journal of Populism 4th Issue

The Interdisciplinary Journal of Populism is a bi-annual international, peer-reviewed, and open-access journal on the study of populism and its manifestations. The journal is of relevance to the work of academics, practitioners, policymakers, and civil society. The Journal was initially established within the framework of a Jean Monnet Module entitled ‘European Union Law and Governance in Populist Times’ that run at the University of Central Lancashire Cyprus between 2019-2022. The Journal continues its operation, being published by the School of Law of the University of Central Lancashire Cyprus. The journal publishes original research in the form of scientific articles (6,000 – 8,000 words including footnotes), short essays (2,000-3,000 words), and book reviews (1,000-2,000 words including footnotes) on populism and populism-related themes.

For the fourth issue of the Journal, we are delighted to announce that Andreas Piperides and Nikandros Ioannidis will be taking on the role of guest editors. Andreas Piperides is a Ph.D. Candidate, Graduate Teaching Assistant, and Co-Convenor of the International Law Working Group at the University of Glasgow. His research focuses on critical approaches to International Law, legal theory, and political philosophy. Nikandros Ioannidis is a Ph.D. candidate at Pompeu Fabra Universit. His Ph.D. research is related to voter-party congruence, representation, and party politics.

The special theme of the 4th issue of the Journal is “The Rise and Future of the Populist Radical Right in Europe”. The populist radical right (PRR) remains one of the main political movements in Europe, promoting nativism, Euroscepticism, and authoritarianism. PRR parties have been steadily increasing in electoral numbers in recent years and can significantly influence government policy in their countries. They are characterised by their opposition to immigration, globalisation, and multiculturalism. They claim to represent the ‘real’ people of the nation against the corrupt elite, which is seen as having sold out the country’s interests to foreign powers. Most PRR parties are also Eurosceptic, opposing the federal agenda of the European Union (EU) and the open border policies it has promoted. The movement sees the EU as a bureaucratic and undemocratic institution that undermines national sovereignty.

The PRR has gained popularity in several European countries. In Hungary, the ruling Fidesz party under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has been accused of suppressing the media, undermining the judiciary, and restricting the freedom of civil society organisations. Similarly, in Poland, the Law and Justice Party have been accused of undermining the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the freedom of the press. In France, the National Front under Marine Le Pen has gained significant support by opposing immigration and political Islam. The party has also called for a referendum on France’s membership of the EU. In Italy, the League under Matteo Salvini has taken a tough stance on immigration and has called for the deportation of undocumented immigrants. Despite these concerns, PRR parties continue to gain ground in many parts of Europe. Their anti-establishment rhetoric and focus on national sovereignty have resonated with many voters who feel disillusioned with mainstream political parties. The growing disaffection towards the mainstream parties does not appear to lessen, and therefore the future of the PRR and its impact on European politics remains to be determined.

This special issue seeks to examine the drivers behind the increasing popularity of PRR, their opposition to immigration, globalisation, and multiculturalism, and their impact on European and national politics. Furthermore, this issue invites for a critical examination and analysis of the current and future prospects of the PRR in Europe, with a particular focus on its potential impact on governance and political opposition at the national and European levels. We welcome interdisciplinary research from a variety of academic perspectives, including but not limited to political science, sociology, history, law, cultural studies, and media studies. Contributions may include empirical studies, theoretical analyses, case studies, and comparative studies that examine the phenomenon of PRR in Europe.

Potential topics for submission include, but are not limited to:

-The ideological and political characteristics of PRR parties and movements
-The role of economic, cultural, and political factors in the rise of PRR in Europe
-The impact of PRR on European democracy and the democratic process
-The relationship between PRR and mainstream political parties
-The response of the European Left to the rise of PRR
-The media representation of PRR in Europe
-The authoritarian tendencies of PRR and their implications for the rule of law and civil society
-The impact of PRR on minority rights, gender equality, and social justice in Europe
-The future of PRR

The next submission deadline for the Journal is on 6 November 2023. All submissions must be sent to submissions@lawpop.eu. Papers should not have been published already, nor should they be under consideration elsewhere. Please consult our Submission Guidelines before submitting your paper. For more information on the Journal, please visit our website.

For any further information, you can contact us at submissions@lawpop.eu