Diversity in Europe: from Pluralism to Populism?

Abstract

Diversity and pluralism have always been central values in intergovernmental settings on the European continent . The Council of Europe (CoE) is founded on the core values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law and recognizes and appraises the interconnection between these values and cultural diversity and pluralism. The European Union (EU) is similarly founded ‘… on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. These values are common to the Member States in a society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail.’ Although continuously proclaimed and upheld by these European intergovernmental organisations, it seems that the values of diversity and pluralism have lost popular support within the Member States. Rise of populism, left-wing as well as right-wing, is indeed very present in European countries. The increased support for populist parties and populism in general is often connected to the growing discontent by many people with globalization and its economic setbacks, including a more critical approach towards neo-liberalist economic policies. It has however also been argued that the rise of populism is just as much caused by social and cultural issues. The decline of traditional cultural and religious identification and large-scale immigration have changed societies and have given rise to fear, racism, and xenophobia. Are Member States of the Council of Europe and the EU, organizations that were founded on the values of democracy, human rights and pluralism, indeed moving away from pluralism in the direction of populism? This chapter explores and outlines the rise of populism in European countries, focusing on the anti-pluralism dimension of populism and its link to the core values of democracy, the rule of law and human rights.