Project title
Explaining Social Democratic Party Decline
Project description
How has European politics undergone transformation, particularly in relation to elections, political parties, and representation? Given the fundamental challenges faced by European democracies, such as climate change, immigration, and digitalization, it is crucial to seek solutions to these issues. This NIAS Theme Group focuses on exploring the dynamics of progressive politics within European democracies.
As a member of the theme group, Markus Wagner (together with Tarik Abou-Chadi) aims to provide a comprehensive explanation for the decline of Social Democratic parties in Western Europe. Previous accounts have primarily focused on policy factors, such as economic ideology, immigration, or social liberalism, while others emphasise declining social cleavages. This research will incorporate a fundamental understanding of voter decision-making.
Selected publications
Wagner, M. (2021). Affective polarization in multiparty systems. Electoral Studies, 69.
Bischof, D., & Wagner, M. (2019). Do voters polarize when radical parties enter parliament?. American Journal of Political Science, 63(4), 888-904.
Abou-Chadi, T., & Wagner, M. (2019). The electoral appeal of party strategies in postindustrial societies: when can the mainstream left succeed?. The Journal of Politics, 81(4), 1405-1419.