Emerging Political Parties in Crisis Contexts

Emerging political parties often exploit periods of acute social, economic or health crises to challenge established systems and offer alternative narratives. In such contexts, widespread disillusionment with traditional actors creates fertile ground for newcomers who frame themselves as authentic voices of the people. These parties frequently adopt populist rhetoric, positioning themselves in opposition to a corrupt “elite” while mobilising grievances around issues such as national identity, economic hardship or public health failures. Organisational models vary, with some relying on centralised structures to exert tight control and others favouring grassroots mobilisation to underscore claims of authenticity. The resulting party landscape is more fragmented and volatile, characterised by rapid surges in support and equally swift declines when crises abate or governing responsibilities reveal organisational shortcomings. Comparative studies demonstrate that this dynamic is not restricted to a single region: examples range from Southern Europe’s radical right to reformist movements in Latin America and hybrid party-civil society vehicles in parts of Asia. Understanding the conditions under which emergent parties thrive offers practical insights for policymakers seeking to strengthen democratic resilience and for scholars analysing the interplay between crisis and political innovation.

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Emerging Political Parties in Crisis Contexts publication trend

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Technical terms

Populism: A political approach that frames society as divided between a virtuous “people” and a corrupt “elite,” offering simple solutions to complex problems.

Radical right: A category of parties espousing nativist, anti-immigration and often authoritarian policies, typically rejecting liberal democratic norms.

Crisis context: Any period during which rapid, large-scale threats—economic collapse, public health emergencies or political upheaval—undermine confidence in incumbent actors and institutions.

References

1. PROFILE: Far-right strategies to co-opt progressive politics: Vox’s top-down civil society organizations in Spain. Social Movement Studies (2024).
2. COVID-19: A Political Virus? VOX’s Populist Discourse in Times of Crisis. Frontiers in Political Science (2021).
3. The Emotional Dimension of the Spanish Far Right and Its Effects on Satisfaction with Democracy. Social Sciences (2022).