Right-wing populism has become a persistent challenge to democratic governance in Central and Eastern Europe, but citizens across the region have mounted strong resistance. A new, open access article in Frontiers in Political Science by SIS PhD candidate Anastassiya Perevezentseva examines why some anti-populist social movements in the Visegrád Four countries succeed electorally while others do not.

Using process tracing across comparable political and historical contexts, the study identifies three recurring conditions for success: sustained mobilization, inclusive framing, and cohesive democratic elites. By comparing movements in Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary, Perevezentseva's research offers new insights into how democratic actors can counter populist incumbents at the ballot box. The findings contribute to debates on democratic backsliding and provide valuable lessons for scholars, policymakers, and activists confronting authoritarian tendencies worldwide.

Read the full article here.