Populism and Anti-Establishment Politics in Kosovo: A Case Study of Lëvizja Vetëvendosje
Few studies have systematically examined the rising political and social unrest in the Balkans. This paper investigates the local dynamics and consequences of widespread anti-establishment discontent in Kosovo through the analytical framework of populism. By focusing on the case of Lëvizja Vetëvendosje (LVV), the paper sets out to consider two related questions: the unique populist style of the LVV and the complex reasons behind its electoral breakthrough and continuing support among various groups. Based on a qualitative documentary analysis of the party programme, manifesto, party publications, speeches of the leadership and interviews, the paper finds that the LVV successfully melds a populist political style, leftist/social democratic agenda and contentious politics as a means to disperse its message. The second part of the article offers three arguments to explain its appeal: structural factors (electoral availability and party system), societal dynamics (political and economic dissatisfaction) and the agency of the LVV (internal organisation, cohesion and leadership). The article contributes to the thriving literature on populism through a novel empirical scope, and to the literature on Southeast Europe through a focus on local agency, voter preferences and party system.
What are the factors that give rise to populist movements and parties in politically, economically and culturally very different countries (e.g. in Western Europe, Balkans, Latin America, Southeast Asia)?
How can we explain the electoral support for populist parties?
How do you define populism’s relationship to democracy? Discuss its stance towards different types of democracy, e.g. liberal-representative, majoritarian, direct democracy etc.
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Bilge Yabanci
Bilge Yabanci holds a PhD in Politics from the University of Bath in the UK. She is currently based at the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) in Rome as a visiting researcher. She also works for Centre for Policy and Research on Turkey (Research Turkey), an independent think-tank based in London. She was a visiting fellow at the Centre for Southeast European Studies at the University of Graz. Her research interests cover populism and populist parties in power, illiberal governance and competitive authoritarianism.