Depleting Democracies

This insightful book examines how radical right parties affect mainstream politics and the quality of democracy in Eastern Europe, particularly in Depleting Democracies.

The book Depleting Democracies delves into the influence of radical right parties on mainstream political competitors and the public policies affecting vulnerable groups in Eastern Europe, spanning from the Baltic to the Black Sea. It presents a compelling argument that these parties instigate a depletion process that poses significant challenges to the quality of democracy within the region. By examining the dynamics of these political forces, the book sheds light on the broader implications for democratic governance.

In Depleting Democracies, the author analyzes the interactions between radical right parties and mainstream political entities, focusing on their impact on critical issues such as minority rights and asylum regulations. The text raises essential questions regarding the extent to which the radical right has altered the democratic landscape in Eastern Europe. It probes whether their electoral success, ability for political leverage, and coalition-building capabilities translate into genuine influence over democratic processes.

The book further compares three distinct groups of countries, including Bulgaria and Slovakia; Hungary, Poland, and Romania; and the Czech Republic and Estonia. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach that incorporates both quantitative survey data and qualitative archival research, Depleting Democracies aims to uncover the causal relationships between radical right parties and their effects on political parties, policy decisions, and the overall quality of democracy across seven nations. This work significantly contributes to the theoretical understanding of radical right actors and enriches empirical research on democratic transformation in the region.