Populist Resistance Against the European Liberal Democratic Order

Abstract

This paper focusses on populist resistance against the EU and the European Convention of Human Rights, in Hungary and the UK. Both countries seem to voice a more general quest away from Europeanization and towards more national sovereignty, which will undoubtedly result in important constitutional changes in the coming years. In this paper, I shall first of all study the notion of populism in general as it manifests itself in many countries in the West. Secondly, the focus is on Hungary and the UK – countries that are witnessing increasing resistance against European institutions as a result of populist influence. Thirdly, the background of their revolt is analyzed. Finally, the article will ponder the consequences of the populist challenge to liberal democracy.