“Populist rightwing parties in Europe often adopt nuanced positions on China, combining economic pragmatism with ideological hawkishness, rather than outright hostility,” said James F. Downes, Ph.D., a Researcher in Populism and the Director of Europe-Asia Program at the Center for Explanatory Research and Scientific Prediction.
Great to be interviewed by Clement Ngu in Nikkei Asia on “How do European Right-Wing Populists see China? 4 Things to Know”
My analysis argues the following:
(1) Far-Right Populist Parties do not follow a coherent or unified China strategy. Instead, their positions are shaped by three overlapping dynamics.
(2) Fragmentation across countries, within parties, and between ideological camps limits the emergence of any unified “populist bloc” on China. This also constrains Beijing’s ability to systematically leverage these actors at the European (EU) level.
(3) As anti-establishment actors, they often define their China stance in opposition to incumbent governments, leading to internal divisions and shifting positions.
(4) Positions on China are shaped by three overlapping dynamics, relating to: (a) Economic Pragmatism, (b) Ideological Hybridity and (c) Domestic-Level Political Logic.
@Center for Explanatory Research and Scientific Prediction @The Chinese University of Hong Kong @Far Right Analysis Network