Research Program on Migration (RPM)

As populism has increased worldwide, so, too, has the study of populism. Shehaj, Shin, and Inglehart (2019) suggest that scholars should identify factors that strengthen or undermine the electoral fortunes of populist radical-right (PRR) parties.

Immigration has been an unavoidable cudgel in the hands of populist politicians seeking electoral success. Migration and the politics surrounding it often bolster support for populist radical-right parties and other far-right, xenophobic, and anti-immigration movements. Anti-immigrant populism is on the rise throughout the western world. Populists often argue that immigrants may distort the national identity of a country’s native/dominant population. These same voices worry about migrants’ ability to integrate, and they prey on the fear and prejudices of national majority/native-born citizens. Far-right populist parties range in their responses to immigration. Some call for various immigration reforms and better efforts at integration; others propose completely restricting immigration, especially from countries they deem to be “other.”

ECPS’ Research Program on Migration (RPM) is a starting hub of experts exploring issues related to immigration and populism. Through its multidisciplinary network of experts, RPM aims to offer scholarly inquiries into the origins, dynamics, and trends of migration and its role in populist thought, discourse, and media coverage. Research will also focus on populism within immigrant communities themselves. The program aims to mediate between all possible stakeholders such as government institutions, academia, and NGOs to provide policymakers with opinions and policy proposals as well as to interpret the relevant policies for the general public.

In line with the general vision and mission of ECPS, RPM produces commentaries, interviews, articles, and reports. It also hopes to inspire a productive exchange of thoughts via different channels and activities. The outcomes of the RPM will be disseminated through various venues within ECPS, including the ECPS website, periodicals such as the Journal of Populism Studies (JPS) and Populism & Politics (P&P), and other possible platforms.

RPM views its scope of research as the following topics (though scholars should feel free to contribute their own topics):

Related Terms: