How US and European Populisms Differ: A Conversation with Sheri Berman
Mar 7, 2023
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Sheri Berman joins the podcast to discuss the differences between US and European populisms. They delve into topics such as the moderation of European right-wing populism, the contrast between identity politics in the US and Europe, attitudes towards Russia among right-wing parties, and the importance of a strong left alternative in democracies.
The rise of right-wing populism in Europe has been characterized by moderation and a shift towards framing anti-immigration stance in economic terms, while the United States Republican Party has embraced extremism and anti-democratic actions.
Left-wing parties in Europe have faced electoral setbacks by moving away from their traditional profile and alienating working-class voters, requiring a rebuilding of a strong left coalition that champions progressive values while persuading voters rather than demonizing them.
Deep dives
The Rise of Populism: Europe vs. the United States
According to the podcast episode, the rise of right-wing populism in Europe and the United States has distinct differences. In Europe, right-wing populist movements have moderated over time, distancing themselves from their neo-Nazi roots. They now frame their anti-immigration stance in more economic terms, focusing on protecting welfare states rather than using racial or religious arguments. European right-wing populists also face institutional barriers, such as coalition government requirements, which promote moderation. In contrast, the United States Republican Party has moved towards embracing extremism, openly supporting election denial and anti-democratic actions. The podcast argues that the racial history of the United States and a deep-seated isolationist sentiment contribute to this divergence. Europe's history with racial issues is less ingrained than the US, making it less central to their right-wing populist movements. Overall, the podcast suggests that the populist threat in the United States is stronger than in Europe, where right-wing populists have made efforts to moderate their positions.
The Decline of the Left in Europe
The podcast explores the decline of left-wing parties in Europe. These parties have faced electoral setbacks and have moved away from their distinctive profile built around protecting people from the negative consequences of markets and advocating for the welfare state. They have shifted towards the center on economic issues, alienating working class and low-educated voters who traditionally supported them. This decline is attributed to a generational project initiated by conservatives to reshape the dominant liberal consensus that began in the mid-20th century. The podcast argues that rebuilding a strong left coalition requires championing progressive values, both social and economic. However, it also suggests that persuading voters, instead of demonizing or dismissing them, is essential for the left to regain support and build a broad coalition.
Geopolitical Shifts and Right-Wing Parties' View on Russia
The podcast highlights the intriguing shift in right-wing parties' views on Russia. In the past, Republicans in the United States criticized President Obama for his handling of Russia, while right-wing parties in Europe showed caution towards Putin. However, the podcast notes a growing admiration for Putin among certain segments of the right, with some Republicans in the US expressing support for his strongman image, claiming to resist perceived threats from wokeism and associated progressive values. This sentiment combines with an isolationist strand in American conservatism that questions America's role in fighting dictatorships and supporting democracy globally. While there are similar tendencies in Europe, the invasion of European soil by Russia makes the issue of Russia more resonant in European politics. Generally, the podcast suggests that these geopolitical dynamics differ between the US and Europe.
Persuasion and Compromise for the Left's Success
The podcast delves into the strategy for the left to regain support and build a successful coalition. It argues that demonizing and ostracizing individuals with different viewpoints is counterproductive to winning them over. Instead, the left needs to persuade voters of their progressive values by engaging in democratic discussions and compromise. The podcast emphasizes the importance of building a broad coalition around both economic and social issues. It acknowledges that while the left may have a majority behind them on economic issues, the focus on identity politics and non-economic positions has led some working class voters to shift towards right-wing populist parties. By engaging in open-minded discourse and focusing on convincing voters of the benefits of their positions, the left can potentially regain support and promote democratic values.
Sheri Berman, author of Democracy and Dictatorship in Europe: From the Ancien Régime to the Present Day, is a professor of political science at Barnard College and a Visiting Scholar at the Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law. In this episode, she joins Francis Fukuyama to explain why populism is more threatening to American democracy than it is in Europe, and why parties of the Left have been in long-term decline.
Sheri Berman is a professor of political science at Barnard College, Columbia University. Her research interests include the development of democracy and dictatorship, European politics, populism and fascism, and the history of the left. Her latest book is Democracy and Dictatorship in Europe: From the Ancien Régime to the Present Day. In addition to her scholarly work, she has published in a wide variety of non-scholarly publications, including The New York Times, the Washington Post, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, VOX, The Guardian, and Dissent. She is on the boards of The Journal of Democracy, Political Science Quarterly, Dissent, and Persuasion.
Democracy IRL is produced by the Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law (CDDRL), part of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI) at Stanford University.
