What explains variation in populist radical right (PRR) support within Western democracies? Counterintuitively, and against both the popular narrative and prior research, PRR parties are often and increasingly stronger in areas seemingly removed from their electorates’ key concerns with immigration, de-industrialization and transnationalism. To explain this puzzle, I articulate a theory of residential constraints as a key driver of PRR support. I hypothesize that when citizens’ means of reacting to local conditions or “voting with their feet” are blocked, they are more likely to support PRR parties. To test this claim, I use a multi-method research design and exploit both qualitative and quantitative evidence from France, an important case of longstanding and geographically divided PRR support. I demonstrate that the PRR performs well in areas where locals are more residentially constrained, access to services are compromised, and where opportunities and incentives to relocate are blocked by economic considerations.

Organisé par la Chaire de recherche en études électorales et la Chaire de recherche du Canada en démocratie électorale.

Contactez semra.sevi@umontreal.ca pour rejoindre la conférence sur Zoom.

DATE: Mardi 16 juin, 12h-13h