Professor Emerita Vivien Schmidt Releases New Article on Populism
Professor Emerita Vivien Schmidt, Former Jean Monnet Professor of European Integration and Professor of International Relations and Political Science, has published an article titled “Populist Agenda-Setting: Shaping the narrative, framing the debate, captivating the ‘people’, upending the mainstream, capturing power” in the Journal of European Public Policy. The article, available online since December 19, 2023, provides an in-depth analysis of populism’s influence on public policy agendas and democratic processes.
In this comprehensive work, Professor Schmidt examines how populist messages are disseminated through various media channels and their impact on mainstream politics. Through empirical evidence and interdisciplinary insights, the article explores the mechanisms through which populism shapes public discourse and challenges traditional political narratives.
A key focus of the article is on how populists capture power and the resulting effects on democratic institutions. By offering compelling narratives and empirical findings, Professor Schmidt sheds light on the complexities of populism as a political phenomenon, urging readers to consider multiple variables when assessing its societal impact.
The article is available for free download until May, serving as a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and individuals interested in understanding contemporary politics.
To download the article, visit the Journal of European Public Policy.
Vivien Schmidt is a Professor of International Relations and Jean Monnet Professor of European Integration at the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies and was the first Director of BU’s Center for the Study of Europe, housed at the Pardee School. Schmidt’s research focuses on European political economy, institutions, democracy, and political theory—in particular on the importance of ideas and discourse in political analysis. Read more about Professor Schmidt on her faculty profile.