Immigration and the Rise of Populism in Eastern European Contexts

This panel will analyze the role of immigration in the recent surge of right-wing populism worldwide, particularly in Europe and North America. As some populist movements gain electoral ground, most right-wing parties prioritize immigration, exploiting public concerns over economic crises, cultural disintegration, and rising crime. The panel will explore when increased immigration triggers a populist backlash and how anti-immigrant rhetoric shapes policies. It will illuminate the diverse approaches different regimes take to growing anti-immigrant sentiments by examining case studies from various regions. We invite papers offering insights from multiple social science perspectives, especially comparative studies and meta-analyses.