Right-wing populism (also known as radical right-wing populism) is a political strategy and rhetorical style combining right-wing ideology with populist propaganda and campaigning. The term is also used to refer to the movements connected with neoliberalism which first rose to prominence during the 1980s. Right-wing populism is a core element of several New Right political parties and movements in contemporary Europe.[2] European radical right populists founded the Euronat association in 2005.
The strategy of right-wing populism relies on a combination of ethno-nationalism with anti-elitist populist rhetoric and a radical critique of existing political institutions.
Right-wing populist parties and movements differ from many far right parties in that they accept representative democracy and disavow violent political tactics, yet they are considered radical because they oppose the present political system; right-wing because they oppose the welfare state and have traditional policies on immigration; and populist because they appeal to the fears and frustrations of common citizens. These parties and movements sometimes distinguish themselves from the traditional Right by their support for social welfare programmes, gender equality, gay rights, and separation of church and state. These parties often present themselves as the defenders of traditional liberal ideas. Other RRP parties wish to preserve the dominance of the Christian values as a means of preserving the national culture.
Some scholars see populist movements potentially serving as a precursor creating the building blocks of fascist movements. For example, conspiracist scapegoating employed by various populist movements can create “a seedbed for fascism” in the United States, argues Mary Rupert. Mark Rupert sees echoes of this in some far-right isolationist movements that view globalization as a threat to American interests. Other researchers have found that right-wing populist parties draw voters who are concerned about the cultural impact of immigration, poor economic conditions, and perceived unresponsiveness of mainstream political parties.
Source: Wikipedia
