Populism, euroscepticism, and the populism-euroscepticism nexus: a conceptual framework for analysis.

Abstract

Populism and Euroscepticism have emerged as two of the most salient and contested phenomena in contemporary European politics. This review article develops a conceptual framework for analysing the populism-Euroscepticism nexus within CA23102 'Linking euroscepticism and populism: causes and consequences' (EUPopLink). The article reviews existing literature on populism and Euroscepticism, and discusses the link between the two concepts. It distinguishes three main forms of populism (right-ring populism, left-wing populism, and valence populism) and identifies variations in Euroscepticism based on the object of opposition, the intensity and consistency of opposition and the nature of opposition. It then theoretically explores the nexus between the two concepts. The article concludes by presenting the data collection strategy for the country reports produced by EUPopLink's Working Group 1. The link between populism and Euroscepticism requires further exploration. The article provides the solid theoretical foundation for such an analysis.