| Popis: |
Previous research shows that many voters who disagree with fiscal austerity turn towards non-mainstream, often radical parties when the government cuts public spending. For instance, fiscal austerity increased votes for pro-Brexit parties in Britain and for populist parties across Europe, especially among economically vulnerable voters, thereby increasing political polarization in many Western countries. While these studies establish that an empirical association between austerity and radical party vote shares exists, the possible mechanisms that lead to these outcomes remain untested. This project examines the reasoning behind the decision of anti-austerity voters to turn towards radical parties by answering the following questions. Why do some voters turn towards radical as opposed to centrist opposition parties after austerity? How do these voters perceive the economic policy positions of centrist and radical parties? Do these voters expect that fiscal policy will change when radical parties become stronger? Or do they have other, non-policy related motives for their choice? |
