Populism in EU: Integration Challenges

About

European politics is undergoing significant changes driven by the rise of populism. Traditional political parties are losing popularity, while new populist parties and movements are gaining influence. This shift is accompanied by a growing focus on direct democracy and a rise in identity politics, which contributes to increased polarization in political discourse. The emergence of these populist subjects and movements, including in the Czech Republic two decades after its EU accession, raises important questions about the democratic values that the EU has long upheld.

This course aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the emergence and popularity of populist movements in Europe from a comparative perspective. It focuses on the rise of populist leaders in Hungary, Poland, and Italy, who utilize various propaganda tools and narratives to consolidate power, while also examining how these movements challenge EU integration and cooperation among Member States. Additionally, the course explores the electoral success of ultra-right-wing populist parties in Austria and France, highlighting their illiberal and anti-Islam discourses. Finally, it addresses unique socio-political phenomena such as 'state-sponsored populism' in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, where decision-making processes are manipulated for private interests and clientelism.

This programme is designed as a part of our Intensive 2 Week Summer School, where multiple courses from a wide variety of Masaryk University study programmes and departments will be offered. These courses will be arranged in an intensive and dynamic form, each working day there will be an academic session. In the afternoon and evenings students come together from across disciplines to enjoy everything Brno has to offer!

Course leader

Vladimir Vučković

Target group

This course is targeted for bachelor and master students. The curriculum requires no specific previous knowledge, and all information is presented in non-technical language. Students of all fields and degrees are welcome.

Course aim

By the end of the program, students will be able to:
- delve into the theoretical underpinnings of populism in Europe, exploring its definitions, characteristics, and implications.
- articulate the reasons behind the rise of populist governments in countries such as Hungary, Poland, and Italy. This includes examining the strategies these regimes use to consolidate their power and how these strategies affect broader European Union and its policies.
- critically assess the increasing influence of euro-nationalist right-wing populist movements and parties in countries like Austria and France. This involves understanding how these groups utilize fear as a tactic to enhance their political influence and affect internal political dynamics, as well as their interactions with other populist subjects within EU member states.
- master their skills in sharing an opinion(s) of the emergence of unique political phenomena such as ‘state-sponsored populism’ i.e. not a populist actor per se, and the development of populist governance in Western Balkans, particularly so in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia.

Fee info

The cost breakdowns as follows: Tuition fees; Accommodation in Brno (12-26 July); Breakfast; Orientation; Daily cultural and social activities including welcome and farewell receptions; Saturday trip to one of the local Czech UNESCO sites; 24/7 support. Students should budget an additional €200-500 depending on their spending habits for food (lunch, dinner) and other expenses. Public transport ticket is in additional costs.