Redefining Democracy and Political Assertiveness: A Constructivist Exposition of European Populism

Abstract

Liberal democracy is hailed as one of the finest systems of government; it allows for differences of political views, and hence, the incursion of radical views punctuates political landscapes all over the world. The assertiveness of contemporary European populism exemplifies the embedded permissiveness of democracy, though such tolerance paves the way for populist political rhetoric geared at further breaking already ruptured socialisation structures. The strength of contemporary European populism can be fairly explicated through a constructivist prism. In addition to contributing to socialisation breakdown, populism has demonstrated how socially constructed narratives can redefine democracy, cause political infection, and create a new normal. Populism also proves that European electorates are rational political consumers, rational enough to change loyalty and accommodate a new political product.