Populism and the Paradox of Political Participation (11/19/21)
Join us on Friday, November 19, at noon, for our a lecture on “Populism and the Paradox of Political Participation” by Valeriya Kamenova, a lecturer in the International Relations Program at the University of Pennsylvania. Kamenova received her Ph.D. in Political Science from Boston University. Her work centers on the intersection between populism, political mobilization, and deliberative democracy.
Are populist right parties democratic? After the recent Bundestag election, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved consistent niche support – something that had eluded the German radical right for decades. Riding on a wave of popular discontent, populist parties have found success in criticizing the “poor results” of representative democracy. Meanwhile, they have campaigned for the introduction of referendums and deliberative decision-making procedures. But have populist parties been successful in responding to citizens’ demands for more political engagement? Drawing on fieldwork observations and interviews, we will take a closer look into the party organization of the AfD and discuss whether party members enjoy meaningful participation in internal decision-making or remain marginalized in shaping the party’s future.
The University is committed to promoting a safe campus environment. In accordance with current University safety protocols, cloth face coverings or disposable masks must be worn indoors at all times when not eating or drinking. Any participant with symptoms that could be related to COVID-19 should not engage in group activities and seek medical advice.