This is the first reader to bring together the most seminal articles and book chapters on the contemporary populist radical right in western democracies.
The populist radical right is one of the most studied political phenomena in the social sciences, counting hundreds of books and thousands of articles. This is the first reader to bring together the most seminal articles and book chapters on the contemporary populist radical right in western democracies. It has a broad regional and topical focus and includes work that has made an original theoretical contribution to the field, which make them less time-specific. The reader is organized in six thematic sections:
(1) ideology and issues;
(2) parties, organizations, and subcultures;
(3) leaders, members, and voters;
(4) causes;
(5) consequences; and
(6) responses.
Each section features a short introduction by the editor, which introduces and ties together the selected pieces and provides discussion questions and suggestions for further readings. The reader is ended with a conclusion in which the editor reflects on the future of the populist radical right in light of (more) recent political developments - most notably the Greek economic crisis and the refugee crisis - and suggest avenues for future research.
"Cas Mudde offers an expert guidance to the current debates about the populist radical right. With its clear framework and comprehensive selection of key readings this book is essential reading for students and those new to the field."?
Tjitske Akkerman, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
"Cas Mudde has assembled the most important work on the populist radical right. Research that has collectively defined the research agenda. The manner in which Mudde presents them encapsulates not only the essential work that has already been done, but (perhaps most critically) it sets the stage for future research."
Andrej Zaslove, Radboud University, The Netherlands
"This reader is an ensemble of various views all important for an understanding of far right politics which cannot be understood by just following a traditional 'anti-fascist' approach. Cas Mudde's book is a tool for academic teaching and a basis for further research, especially for a comparative perspective, beyond national case studies."
Anton Pelinka, Central European University, Budapest
"The reader is aimed at three audiences: scholars, students and activists. The first two are catered to more directly. The book would be a useful first stop for anyone embarking on research in this area. Students will benefit from the introductions to each section as well as discussion prompts and 'revision questions': the book could easily form the basis of a course on populism."
Andrew Reid is a PhD candidate in the Politics department at the University of Leicester, LSE Review of Books
