Populist Parties in Europe Agents of Discontent?

“Kessel explores their role as agents of discontent in three European countries where power has eluded them. … he explores the shifting priorities of the literature and offers a useful typology of populism, as well as a survey of performances in different parts of Europe that is bound to be helpful to students.” (Tom Gallagher, International Affairs, Vol. 91 (6), 2015)

'This book brilliantly bridges the gap between big datasets and detailed case studies to add significantly to our understanding of populist parties' electoral successes. The key, it seems, is not just the inadequacies of their mainstream rivals but also the credibility of the insurgents. This is a great example of the way comparative methods can say something important not just to academics but to politicians who operate in the real world.'

'An important and very timely contribution to our understanding of populism and populist parties. Van Kessel provides an excellent treatment of the concept of populism and adopts an innovative approach to explain the varying fortunes of these parties. The coverage is extensive, the research is empirically rich, and the findings are interesting and convincing.'

Elisabeth Carter, Senior Lecturer in Politics, Keele University, UK

'Stijn van Kessel brings a refreshing approach to the increasingly stale study of populist electoral success in Europe by going beyond the populist radical right, employing mixed-methods (i.e. fsQCA and case studies), and focusing on the agency of populist actors themselves.'

Cas Mudde, Associate Professor in the Department of International Affairs, University of Georgia, USA