Twenty-First Century Populism The Spectre of Western European Democracy

'It is not always the case that the most recent book is a better book. But this is surely the case with this work. For a long time we have spoken of demagogy, now we speak more and more of populism. Are these different labels for the same thing? While this issue still needs to be probed, Albertazzi and McDonnell have assembled a well organized and surely outstanding analysis of a truly topical matter.' Giovanni Sartori, Professor Emeritus, Columbia University in the City of New York, USA

'Twenty-First Century Populism is a highly impressive assessment of the state and character of contemporary European populism. Comprehensive and insightful, it combines valuable conceptual interpretations with a close analysis of different national experiences. This is essential reading for students of political parties and political culture in Europe today.' - Peter Mair, Professor of Comparative Politics, European University Institute, Italy

'This extraordinary and timely book shows us how modern democracy throughout Europe is threatened and corrupted by modern populists. The analysis is brilliant, profound and deeply worrying.' - Sir Bernard Crick, Emeritus Professor of Birkbeck College, University of London, UK

'For academics, journalists or students of democratic politics, populism is a puzzle which defies the traditional boundaries of political mobilization, party structures and programmes, values and policies. The very concept of democracy is challengedby the various forms of populism. The great merit of Albertazzi and McDonnell's book is that it sheds further light on and helps to better understand this puzzle. It is a cornerstone in the construction of the phenomenology and theory of populism.' - Yves Mény, President of the European University Institute, Florence, Italy