This thesis takes a comparative approach to understanding the impact of TAN populist executives on the asylum systems of Hungary and Italy following the 2015/16 migration crisis. The interlinking...Show moreThis thesis takes a comparative approach to understanding the impact of TAN populist executives on the asylum systems of Hungary and Italy following the 2015/16 migration crisis. The interlinking concepts of TAN populism, autocratization, and their relationship with judicial control and the asylum seeker are first expanded upon in the Literature Review. Then, the Theoretical Framework chapter delves into the applicability of the path dependence approach for understanding the links between these concepts and hypothesises that the degree to which a TAN populist executive can inflict Asylum System Assault (ASA) depends on its ability to reshape judicial control. This hypothesis is tested using a research design based on MSSD-I which is discussed in the Methodological Approach chapter. The comparative part of the thesis begins with a chapter on the case study of Hungary. In this case we see how the drafting of a new constitution by the Fidesz party in 2010 severely weakened judicial independence, allowing for a path dependent trajectory of further autocratization and, following the migration crisis, of ASA. In turn, this led to the structural death of asylum in the country by 2020. Meanwhile, the next chapter on the Italian case shows how an independent judiciary can act as a lifebuoy for migrant rights by stopping the successful implementation of key TAN populist executive ASA policies. This being the case both during the Conte I government, and in the current Meloni-led government.Show less
This thesis examines to what extent Lega turned itself and its creation of the Padanian nation into a political religion between 1989 and 2001. It researches how Lega Nord and the nation it created...Show moreThis thesis examines to what extent Lega turned itself and its creation of the Padanian nation into a political religion between 1989 and 2001. It researches how Lega Nord and the nation it created aimed to involve itself in all aspects of its followers’ lives, and present them with a sense of community and purpose. The story Lega told, the symbols, myths and liturgy it used played an essential part in the development of this political religion. It is this story, these symbols and the liturgy that form the core of this thesis.Show less
There is a constant rise of populism spreading around the world. This can be observed in Latin America, North America and Europe among others. Europe is a continent which has for years stood for...Show moreThere is a constant rise of populism spreading around the world. This can be observed in Latin America, North America and Europe among others. Europe is a continent which has for years stood for democracy, human rights, liberalism and the idea of a common people with a common market and a common history. However, today more than ever before, these ideas are being challenged by the growing trend of right-wing populism. This thesis will therefore explain and assess the following question: “What factors determine the success of right-wing populism?”. The focus, of this thesis, is on two European countries specifically, Italy and Germany, where populist parties have had different success.Show less
This thesis will explain and assess the following question: “What factors determine the success of right-wing populism?”. The focus, of this thesis, is on two European countries specifically, Italy...Show moreThis thesis will explain and assess the following question: “What factors determine the success of right-wing populism?”. The focus, of this thesis, is on two European countries specifically, Italy and Germany, where populist parties have had different success. The thesis will analyse the similarities and differences between the Lega in Italy and the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in Germany. The relevance of this thesis is to better understand what determines the success of populist parties in Europe and why are some populist parties more successful than others.Show less
