Since the 1980s, movements deemed populist have emerged across Europe and in the United States. The French National Front, to take one important example, won municipal elections as early as 1983. Populism thus has a history — and, perhaps a future as well. In recent years, a growing number of populist movements have either surfaced or broadened their base, claiming to represent the people, indigenous culture, and national sovereignty against cosmopolitan elites, the establishment, and immigrants. In France, having until now held off the victory of the National Front’s presidential candidates, the electoral glass ceiling may soon crack. Held two weeks before the first round of French 2017 presidential elections (April 23), this conference will take stock of the current ‘populist moment’—in France and elsewhere—as a historical phenomenon and an object of study. Established and emerging scholars from Europe and the U.S. will come together — along with journalists — to address questions of method and analysis in comparative perspective.
New York City, NY; NYC