The Springs of Populism in Europe

10 May 2013

One year before the European Parliament elections and European democracies are in turmoil. Political scandals, economic instability, and a perception of a 'democratic deficit' among European institutions are fuelling a crisis of democracy. Amid this instability, populist parties are performing well - from emerging neo-fascists like Golden Dawn in Greece to more established populist forces such as France's Front National.

In this panel discussion, the speakers will explore how these populist movements constitute a lens for understanding the current political challenges facing Europe's leaders. They will look at the specific social and cultural factors that have led to the success of populism - with a particular focus on France and Greece in perspective to the UK - and will discuss what deeper institutional problems the movements point to.

Speakers:

• Michel Wieviorka: Director of the Fondation de la Maison des Sciences de l' Homme and Director of CADIS/EHESS from 1993 to 2009. He is the author of the Counterpoint pamphlet Le Front National (FN), entre extrémisme, populisme et démocratie
• Othon Anastasakis: Director of South East European Studies at Oxford and Director of the European Studies Centre
• Peter Kellner: journalist, political commentator and President of YouGov
• Philippe Marlière: Professor of French and European politics, University College London

• Catherine Fieschi: Director of Counterpoint

With the support of the Lifelong Learning Programme of the European Union.