Honors College Theses
Publication Date
4-19-2024
Major
International Studies (B.A.)
Document Type and Release Option
Thesis (open access)
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Jacek Lubecki
Abstract
Globally, populist political parties and leaders have been making gains over the last decade. Many of these populist leaders have been using their power to erode democratic institutions and public trust. While the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have long distinguished themselves from the other post-communist countries of Eastern Europe, they are no exception to the populist trend. Under what conditions are populist political parties in the Baltic states successful? In this paper, I analyze the distinctive variables present that can explain the popularity of populism in all three states. I argue that there is a positive correlation between perceived corruption and economic insecurity and the success of populist political parties in the Baltics.
Thesis Summary
Globally, populist political parties and leaders have been making gains over the last decade. Many of these populist leaders have been using their power to erode democratic institutions and public trust. While the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have long distinguished themselves from the other post-communist countries of Eastern Europe, they are no exception to the populist trend. Under what conditions are populist political parties in the Baltic states successful? In this paper, I analyze the distinctive variables present that can explain the popularity of populism in all three states. I argue that there is a positive correlation between perceived corruption and economic insecurity and the success of populist political parties in the Baltics.
Recommended Citation
Thompson, Lilly, "Examining Populist Political Parties in the Baltic States" (2024). Honors College Theses. 992.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/honors-theses/992
