Week 9: Understanding and challenging populism
Dr. Israel Butler
What do we need to know about populist narratives?
Why are populist narratives so effective? Policy analyst Israel Butler reveals the two emotions that populist messaging most often triggers and why populists have an inherent advantage when it comes to the media.
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Dr. Israel Butler
What can worldviews tell us about populist voters?
Are factors like age and education enough to understand why people vote for populists? Israel Butler of Civil Liberties Union for Europe explains why the lens of social psychology is so important to understanding the populism phenomenon, as well as the two types of worldviews found among populist authoritarians.
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Dr. Israel Butler
How should progressives respond to populist narratives?
Can’t we just change people’s minds with the facts? No, says Israel Butler, author of the book Countering Populist Authoritarians. Israel lays out another way for progressives to respond to populist narratives.
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Dr. Sinem Adar & Dr. Ertuğ Tombuş
How are academic institutions under threat in today’s Turkey?
How have Erdogan and the AKP limited academic freedom in Turkey and what does this mean for the right to knowledge inside (and outside) the country? Sinem Adar and Ertuğ Tombuş of Humboldt University of Berlin and OFF University, both Turkish academics, explain the complexities behind the crack-down as well as its repercussions.
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Additional Resources and Alternative Perspectives
Interested to learn more about this week’s topic? We have selected some materials for you. These resources consist of introductory information, in-depth texts, case studies and challenging, counter perspectives.
Introductions and Definitions
Gordon Allport’s Contact Hypothesis Facing History and Ourselves (2019)
Counter-narrative through storytelling Claudio Tocchi (2018)
Additional Contexts
Toxic Narratives: Monitoring alternative-right actors Amadeu Antonio Stiftung (2017)
Social Media: A global perspective John Postill (2019)
Relevant Research
Fear and loathing in populist campaigns? Comparing the communication style of populists and non-populists in elections worldwide Alessandro Nai (2017)
Negativity, emotionality and populist rhetoric in election campaigns worldwide, and their effects on media attention and electoral success Jacques Gerstlé and Alessandro Nai (2019)
Israel Butler -Additional resources Migration Matters (2019)
Different Perspectives
Bolsonaro takes office as Brazil’s president Reuters (2019)
Why populism is back in full force The Hill (2019)
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Week 8: Populism in Turkey
Ertuğ Tombuş
What can Turkey and Erdogan teach us about populism?
What is the so-called populist life cycle? Ertuğ Tombuş, political scientist at Humboldt University, uses the example of Turkey to detail the relationship between populism and authoritarianism as one of gradual evolution. His talk looks at the life-cycle of populism and the dilemma populist parties face when they take power: do they become the establishment and listen to democratic voices (no longer populist) or do they reject the establishment including democracy and continue to assert the idea that “I and only I represent the people” (thus becoming authoritarian).
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Dr. Sinem Adar
How do populists use diversity to win elections? Case of Turkey
Is it a coincidence that much of populist discourse in Europe focuses on Muslims? Sociologist Sinem Adar of Berlin’s Humboldt University explores how populist parties use diversity as a tactical resource to mobilize voters, using Turkey as an example.
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Dr. Arjun Appadurai
Liberal democracy is a marathon
Dr. Arjun Appadurai is Professor of Media, Culture and Communication at New York University and Visiting Professor at the Institute for European Ethnology at the Humboldt University.
“Why are so many people around the world growing tired of liberal democracy? Why are demagogues like Erdogan and Trump able to attract massive throngs of adoring supporters? In this interview, Arjun Appadurai compares the liberal democratic process to that of a marathon: it requires endurance and patience.” www.thegreatregression.eu
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Additional Resources and Alternative Perspectives
Interested to learn more about this week’s topic? We have selected some materials for you. These resources consist of introductory information, in-depth texts, case studies and challenging, counter perspectives.
Introductions and Definitions
What is populism? Ep.68 Civics 101 Podcast (2017)
How to spot a populist The Guardian (2018)
Additional Contexts
On autocracy, democracy and populism: Tunisia and the wider Arab region Hajer El Ouardani and Samir Makdisi (2019)
Turkish government destroys more than 300,000 books The Guardian (2019)
Tyranny grants populism new life in Egypt Alaa Bayoumi (2017)
Populism in MENA countries -Additional resources Migration Matters (2019)
Relevant Research
The Populist Challenge to Liberal Democracy William A. Galston (2018)
Populism and the Decline of Social Democracy Sheri Berman and Maria Snegovaya (2019)
Sinem Adar & Ertug Tombus -Additional resources Migration Matters (2019)
Different Perspectives
Democracy, diversity and the protracted populism of Turkey Ali Emre Benli (2018)
Is Populism Really a Problem for Democracy? Patrick Liddiard (2019)
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Week 7: Nationalism and globalisation
Anna Triandafyllidou
What does nationalism look like in today’s global world?
As globalization becomes more relevant, does nationalism become less relevant? European University Institute’s Anna Triandafyllidou explains how nationalism as a concept has changed in today’s world but why it still holds meaning for many.
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Anna Triandafyllidou
What is a city without migration?
Can you imagine a city without traces of migration or are these roots part of a cities DNA? And is your city part of your DNA? Cities can shape identities because here is where experiences, belonging, integration, learning and everyday life takes place.
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Suzi Hall, LSE
Why is Rye Lane important for the economy?
Suzi Hall, an architect-ethnographer and Director of the LSE Cities programme, studies the inner workings of multi-ethnic streets in five British cities. In this video, Hall takes us to a super-diverse street in South London, Peckham’s Rye Lane, where proprietors from more than 20 countries run their businesses on the 10-min long stretch. She explains what we can learn from Rye Lane, in terms of how migrants get on the job ladder, what streets like this mean for the economy, and what we can learn about the ways migration shapes modern cities.
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Additional Resources and Alternative Perspectives
Interested to learn more about this week’s topic? We have selected some materials for you. These resources consist of introductory information, in-depth texts, case studies and challenging, counter perspectives.
Introductions and Definitions
Globalization’s Eclipse of the Nation-State Paige Rushbrook (2019)
Additional Contexts
How nationalism and globalism can coexist Wanis Kabbaj (2018) TED
When Does Globalization Lead to Local Adaptation? The Emergence of Hybrid Islamic Schools in Turkey, 1985–2007 Divarci et. al. (2017)
Relevant Research
Globalization and Nationalism: The Relationship Revisited Natalie Sabanadze (2010)
Migration and Its Impact on Cities Report (MENA Region p. 81-89) World Economic Forum (2017)
Different Perspectives
What global cities are (not) telling us: the politics of immigration, identity and invisible frontiers. Interview with Saskia Sassen Fernanda Marin (2018)
Globalization and its Discontents Revisited: book review Paul Hockenos (2018)
A future imperfect: why globalisation went wrong Adrian Wooldridge (2017)
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Week 5: A place to belong
Migration Matters
Defining Nationalism: Voices from the Street
Everybody is talking about nationalism but what does that even mean? Isn’t nationalism a relict from the past or do we still need it today? Migration Matters tries to explore the notions of nationalism by asking people on the street how they define the word and what it means to them.
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Migration Matters
How are nationality, citizenship and immigration connected?
Meet diversity and migration researcher Nando Sigona. He is one of your experts in this series who will be sharing his research on migration and belonging through the lens of statelessness, citizenship, and superdiversity.
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Anna Triandafyllidou
Why national belonging (still) matters
Meet European University Institute’s Anna Triandafyllidou, one of your experts in this series who will tell us more about nationalism through her expertise on the Other, globalization, and cities. Then continue watching as she tackles the question, “Is nationalism a relevant concept in today’s world?”
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Dr. Sinem Adar
How do Erdogan and the AKP get votes from Turkish citizens abroad?
Those belonging to the Turkish diaspora in Europe can be criticized for continuing to vote for the AKP. Humboldt University’s Sinem Adar explains why this is controversial and how Erdogan manages to court voters abroad.
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Additional Resources and Alternative Perspectives
Interested to learn more about this week’s topic? We have selected some materials for you. These resources consist of introductory information, in-depth texts, case studies and challenging, counter perspectives.
Introductions and Definitions
What does belonging mean to you (Part 1) & (Part 2) Coram (2017)
Sense of Belonging: Literature review Carla Valle Painter (2013)
Additional Contexts
Hyphen-nation New York Times (2017)
Fluid identities, diaspora youth activists and the (Post-)Arab Spring: how narratives of belonging can change over time Lea Müller-Funk (2019)
When populist nationalists tempt geopolitical fate Reva Goujon (2019)
Relevant Research
Imagined Communities: Reflections on the origin and spread of nationalism Benedict Anderson (1983)
Why Do Nations Matter? The struggle for belonging and security in an uncertain world Michael Skey (2012)
Different Perspectives
Douglas Murray – If not a Europe of ideas, then a Europe of tribes The Mill Series (2017)
Why is the anti-global backlash happening now? Thomas Hale & David Held (2017)
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Week 4: Rethinking the concept of borders
Chandran Kukathas, LSE
What do “open borders” really mean?
“Open borders” are important to people inside the borders (Insiders) as well as outside them (outsiders), Kukathas argues. He explores further the concept of border control and its implications.
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Ruben Andersson, Oxford University
Thinking of borders as points of connection
In our political and media narratives, we often operate with binary notions: secure or insecure borders, legal or illegal immigration. Ruben Andersson, an anthropologist and Associate Professor at Oxford University who researches undocumented migration from West Africa to Southern Europe, challenges this way of thinking. Andersson immerses himself in the reality of migration, accompanying migrants, border guards, and aid workers to present the impact of the migration control industry from their perspectives.
In this video, he introduces his ‘impossible idea’ which is that borders are seen as points of connection’ instead of an object to be defended. He believes that thinking about migrants only as risks to borders is holding a simplistic view of migration, and that international mobility will happen regardless of what fences and border security systems are used.
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Dr. Oliviero Angeli
Can migration explain Europe’s rise in right-wing populism?
Migration is often cited as the reason for Europe’s rise in right-wing populism and thus something that “needs to be solved.” Political scientist Oliviero Angeli of TU Dresden addresses that common perception with research showing a more complex relationship between migration and populism.
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Ruben Andersson, Oxford
Will deals like the one with Turkey reduce migration?
In our political and media narratives, we often operate with binary notions: secure or insecure borders, legal or illegal immigration. Ruben Andersson, an anthropologist and Associate Professor at Oxford University who researches undocumented migration from West Africa to Southern Europe, challenges this way of thinking. Andersson immerses himself in the reality of migration, accompanying migrants, border guards, and aid workers to present the impact of the migration control industry from their perspectives.
In this video, Andersson analyses the EU-Turkey deal through a historical perspective, comparing it with the partnership between Spain in 2006 and some West African countries to stop migration. He points out that this only switched the flow of migration towards other routes and didn’t solve the migration problem. Moreover, he highlights the risks of the dynamics created where these countries can use the idea of migration as a threat as means to put pressure on europe to provide larger concessions.
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Additional Resources and Alternative Perspectives
Interested to learn more about this week’s topic? We have selected some materials for you. These resources consist of introductory information, in-depth texts, case studies and challenging, counter perspectives.
Introductions and Definitions
The fall and rise of global borders World Economic Forum (2017)
Migration and populism Future Citizen Institute (2019)
Additional Contexts
Women and girls on the move Mixed Migration Platform (2016)
OLIVIERO ANGELI – References & additional resources Migration Matters (2019)
Relevant Research
Introduction: the migration without borders scenario Pécoud & de Guchteneire (2007)
Immigration and freedom of movement Adam Hosein (2013)
The Temporalities of International Migration Shanthi Robertson (2014)
Different Perspectives
How progressivism enabled the rise of the populist right Eric Kaufmann (2019)
Douglas Murray: Balancing justice and mercy Doha Debates (2019)
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Week 3: Who can come in?
Hein de Haas, Migration Matters
Who are we allowing in? Who are we trying to keep out?
In this video, Hein de Haas challenges the notion that immigration policies are being restricted. Instead, borders are more open than ever to certain types of migrants, and this is creating or exacerbating a global class system in which the privileged are privileged further.
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Nassim Majidi, Migration Matters
Why do people risk their lives to come to Europe?
In this episode of A Migrant’s View, migration specialist Nassim Majidi offers insights into what really motivates migrants to make the oftentimes perilous journey to Europe. Regardless of whether you agree with her assessments, her research into what drives decisions to migrate will enhance and deepen your perspective on the issue.
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How to buy a passport
Did you know citizenship is for sale? It’s true, many countries are offering it – for a price. This video explores the market for passports, citizenship and green cards.
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Additional Resources and Alternative Perspectives
Interested to learn more about this week’s topic? We have selected some materials for you. These resources consist of introductory information, in-depth texts, case studies and challenging, counter perspectives.
Introductions and Definitions
70 years of progress on Human Rights: Article 13, Freedom of movement United Nations (2018)
Why we need a global understanding of migration World Economic Forum (2018)
Additional Contexts
What Egyptian Day Workers in Jordan Face, Just to Make a Living Ammar Ahmed Al-Shuqairi (2019)
Interactive Journey: A migrant’s difficult decisions in the Gulf Migrant Rights (2019)
India Passes Controversial Citizenship Bill That Would Exclude Muslims NPR (2019)
Relevant Research
Emergent Global Classes and What They Mean for Immigration Politics Migration Policy Institute (2006)
The Privileged and Useful Migrant: An Evaluation of Changing Policy and Scholarly Approaches Towards High-skilled Migration Metka Hercog (2017)
Different Perspectives
Migrant agency: Negotiating borders and migration controls Ċetta Mainwaring (2016)
Privileged Mobility in an Age of Globality Sheila Croucher (2012)
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Week 2: Populism and authoritarianism
Dr. Israel Butler
What is populist authoritarianism?
What is populist authoritarianism and how is it different from regular populism? Dr. Israel Butler, Head of Advocacy at Civil Liberties Union for Europe, talks about populism in itself being neither good nor bad; differentiating populism authoritarianism from regular populism; and explaining this term as well as the danger it poses to democracy and human rights.
Look out for:
- Authoritarianism
- Elitism
- Security vs other human needs/rights
- Progressive values
- Democracy vs will of the majority
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Dr. Oliviero Angeli
What does populism look like across Europe?
What are the differences between populist movements in various corners of Europe? TU Dresden’s Oliviero Angeli helps us understand the similarities and differences between populist leaders and parties in three distinct countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, and Italy.
Look out for:
- Strong nativist feeling
- Ethnocentric approach to politics
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Dr. Ertuğ Tombu
What is populism and is it a useful term?
What is behind the term populism, and do we need it? Political scientist Ertuğ Tombuş of Berlin’s Humboldt University gives us a primer for understanding populism and its link to democracy.
Look out for:
- Relationship elite vs people
- Political rhetoric that gives simplistic answers with scapegoats
- Political representation of people as a totality
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Additional Resources and Alternative Perspectives
Interested to learn more about this week’s topic? We have selected some materials for you. These resources consist of introductory information, in-depth texts, case studies and challenging, counter perspectives.
Introductions and Definitions
Introducing the experts on populism Dr. Oliviero Angeli, Dr. Sinem Adar, Dr. Ertuğ Tombuş and Dr. Israel Butler (2019)
The Rise of Populism – A Different Lens Monash University (2018)
What’s Behind the Global Rise in Populism? Bloomberg (2017)
Relevant Research
Migration and Populism Annual Report 2018 MIDEM (2018)
Timbro Authoritarian Populism Index 2017 Andreas Johansson Heinö (2017)
Additional Contexts
Populism and Corporatism in the Middle East and North Africa: a Comparative Analysis Manochehr Dorraj (2017)
The Twin Rise of Populism and Authoritarianism World Politics Review
Different Perspectives
Could populism actually be good for democracy? The Guardian (2018)
How populism can be turned into an opportunity, not a threat The Conversation (2018)
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Week 1: Open identities
Taiye Selasi
Don’t ask me where I’m from, ask where I’m local.
When someone asks you where you’re from … do you sometimes not know how to answer? Writer Taiye Selasi speaks on behalf of “multi-local” people, who feel at home in the town where they grew up, the city they live now and maybe another place or two. “How can I come from a country?” she asks. “How can a human being come from a concept?”
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How is (super)diversity changing how we belong?
Super diversity is rapidly changing the way communities look like, Dr. Sigona argues. He continues to explore the pros and cons of such a change by giving different concrete examples.
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Additional Resources and Alternative Perspectives
Interested to learn more about this week’s topic? We have selected some materials for you. These resources consist of introductory information, in-depth texts, case studies and challenging, counter perspectives.
Introductions and Definitions
Relevant Research
Additional Contexts
Watch Video