Stijn van Kessel
@stijntvankessel.bsky.social
Professor of Comparative Politics, Queen Mary University of London. Studies populism, radical right, politics of European integration. Staff page: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/politics/staff/profiles/vankesselstijn.html
Pinned
Our book is out and available to read open access online: academic.oup.com/book/60532. It is dedicated to Niko.
Reposted by Stijn van Kessel
Radical right parties in Europe have not moderated. Their positions and rhetoric have entered the mainstream. They have become normalized and legitimized. Unless we understand this, we have little chance of countering their success.
In many parts of Europe populist-right parties have moderated as they have grown, shedding unpopular policies and personnel. If anything, the AfD in Germany is growing more radical econ.st/3KSptMm
Illustration: Javier Palma
Illustration: Javier Palma
December 16, 2025 at 8:07 AM
Radical right parties in Europe have not moderated. Their positions and rhetoric have entered the mainstream. They have become normalized and legitimized. Unless we understand this, we have little chance of countering their success.
Reposted by Stijn van Kessel
This is a brilliant piece on the restructuring of political competition in Western Europe and goes far beyond the question of populism. Great also for teaching.
The 1️⃣article of our 5️⃣0️⃣Anniversary Special Issue "Debating European Politics: Advances and Perspectives" is out!🎉
"The rise of populism and the new cleavage" by Hanspeter Kriesi, describing contemporary populism is likely to be a temporary phenomen.
🔗https://doi.org/10.1080/01402382.2025.2591874
"The rise of populism and the new cleavage" by Hanspeter Kriesi, describing contemporary populism is likely to be a temporary phenomen.
🔗https://doi.org/10.1080/01402382.2025.2591874
December 12, 2025 at 2:27 PM
This is a brilliant piece on the restructuring of political competition in Western Europe and goes far beyond the question of populism. Great also for teaching.
Reposted by Stijn van Kessel
Back at Bologna's Alma Mater today to discuss the book below with Politics postgrads... Looking forward to it....
The book is open access -free to read and download. See link below.
The book is open access -free to read and download. See link below.
Our brand new monograph, discussing the findings of our work together during the last seven years, is now out for @oxfordacademic.bsky.social and free to read and download!
December 11, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Back at Bologna's Alma Mater today to discuss the book below with Politics postgrads... Looking forward to it....
The book is open access -free to read and download. See link below.
The book is open access -free to read and download. See link below.
Reposted by Stijn van Kessel
The core thesis of our Brextinction paper, beautifully (or morbidly?) summarized in one flowchart (also based on YouGov data).
@simonhix.bsky.social @juhoharkonen.bsky.social
ejpr.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
@simonhix.bsky.social @juhoharkonen.bsky.social
ejpr.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Absolutely amazing chart from @peterkellner.bsky.social's piece in @thenewworldmag.bsky.social today:
www.thenewworld.co.uk/peter-kellne...
www.thenewworld.co.uk/peter-kellne...
December 10, 2025 at 1:45 PM
The core thesis of our Brextinction paper, beautifully (or morbidly?) summarized in one flowchart (also based on YouGov data).
@simonhix.bsky.social @juhoharkonen.bsky.social
ejpr.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
@simonhix.bsky.social @juhoharkonen.bsky.social
ejpr.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Reposted by Stijn van Kessel
📣 #MilitantDemocracy out in #OpenAccess @routledgebooks.bsky.social!
📝 Offers one of the first comprehensive theories of #democraticselfdefence. Great to see it’s still relevant to current debates.
🎂 This month marks the 10th anniversary of the Dutch edition!
www.taylorfrancis.com/books/oa-mon...
📝 Offers one of the first comprehensive theories of #democraticselfdefence. Great to see it’s still relevant to current debates.
🎂 This month marks the 10th anniversary of the Dutch edition!
www.taylorfrancis.com/books/oa-mon...
December 3, 2025 at 9:56 AM
📣 #MilitantDemocracy out in #OpenAccess @routledgebooks.bsky.social!
📝 Offers one of the first comprehensive theories of #democraticselfdefence. Great to see it’s still relevant to current debates.
🎂 This month marks the 10th anniversary of the Dutch edition!
www.taylorfrancis.com/books/oa-mon...
📝 Offers one of the first comprehensive theories of #democraticselfdefence. Great to see it’s still relevant to current debates.
🎂 This month marks the 10th anniversary of the Dutch edition!
www.taylorfrancis.com/books/oa-mon...
Reposted by Stijn van Kessel
For the Guardian, @jonhenley.bsky.social reports on our new research briefs on the politics of housing. Current policies too often treat housing as an asset. Housing as a social right has nearly disappeared from the agenda of even progressive parties.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
European progressives must tackle housing crisis to beat far right, say researchers
Centre left can win broad support by addressing soaring house prices and rents, according to data analysis
www.theguardian.com
November 27, 2025 at 9:17 AM
For the Guardian, @jonhenley.bsky.social reports on our new research briefs on the politics of housing. Current policies too often treat housing as an asset. Housing as a social right has nearly disappeared from the agenda of even progressive parties.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Reposted by Stijn van Kessel
After more than 10 years of “the Danish Model”, nativism is hegemonic in the country, the far right polls near level highs again, and the Social Democrats lost Copenhagen and poll at historic low.
European Social Democrats should look at the facts, not the myths!
Me in @theguardian.com
European Social Democrats should look at the facts, not the myths!
Me in @theguardian.com
The ‘Danish model’ is the darling of centre-left parties like Labour. The problem is, it doesn’t even work in Denmark | Cas Mudde
This week’s local elections are the latest reminder that when social democrats move rightwards, they’re making a mistake, says academic and author Cas Mudde
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:59 PM
After more than 10 years of “the Danish Model”, nativism is hegemonic in the country, the far right polls near level highs again, and the Social Democrats lost Copenhagen and poll at historic low.
European Social Democrats should look at the facts, not the myths!
Me in @theguardian.com
European Social Democrats should look at the facts, not the myths!
Me in @theguardian.com
Reposted by Stijn van Kessel
Cas Mudde spells out what has become largely the consensus among researchers: moving right on immigration will not weaken the far right nor strengthen social democracy. If your reaction is "but in Denmark" please at least familiarize yourself with Danish politics
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The ‘Danish model’ is the darling of centre-left parties like Labour. The problem is, it doesn’t even work in Denmark | Cas Mudde
This week’s local elections are the latest reminder that when social democrats move rightwards, they’re making a mistake, says academic and author Cas Mudde
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Cas Mudde spells out what has become largely the consensus among researchers: moving right on immigration will not weaken the far right nor strengthen social democracy. If your reaction is "but in Denmark" please at least familiarize yourself with Danish politics
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Stijn van Kessel
Labour is desperately trying to appeal to Reform supporters. In October, we asked people in the UK if they perceive a party as a "party for someone like them". Only very few people say this for both Labour and Reform. The correlation is negative. Labour is chasing an electorate that does not exist.
November 21, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Labour is desperately trying to appeal to Reform supporters. In October, we asked people in the UK if they perceive a party as a "party for someone like them". Only very few people say this for both Labour and Reform. The correlation is negative. Labour is chasing an electorate that does not exist.
Our book launch is still planned for next Thursday, November 20th, 5PM at Queen Mary University of London. Catering has also been booked 🍷🫒. Register via: tinyurl.com/382xbuy5
We will present our book 'Populist Radical Right Parties in Action: The Survival of the Mass Party' (Oxford UP) at Queen Mary University of London on Thursday, November 20th, 5-6:30pm GMT. Corina Lacatus will discuss, and there will be a reception. Register via 👉 tinyurl.com/382xbuy5
November 14, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Our book launch is still planned for next Thursday, November 20th, 5PM at Queen Mary University of London. Catering has also been booked 🍷🫒. Register via: tinyurl.com/382xbuy5
Andrej Zaslove and I wrote down our thoughts on the recent Dutch election results, noting the continuing relevance of the far right and the hollowing of the (liberal) centre. 👇 @qmul-sse-cgd.bsky.social @qmulsse.bsky.social
The Dutch election results came as a relief to many centrist voters, but this was not quite the triumphant "return to the centre" it has been portrayed as.
✍ @stijntvankessel.bsky.social & Andrej Zaslove blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2...
✍ @stijntvankessel.bsky.social & Andrej Zaslove blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2...
The Dutch parliamentary election – not quite a “return to the centre”
Rob Jetten’s victory at the 2025 Dutch election was a blow for Geert Wilders, but far-right policies remain firmly in the mainstream of Dutch politics.
blogs.lse.ac.uk
November 5, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Andrej Zaslove and I wrote down our thoughts on the recent Dutch election results, noting the continuing relevance of the far right and the hollowing of the (liberal) centre. 👇 @qmul-sse-cgd.bsky.social @qmulsse.bsky.social
Reposted by Stijn van Kessel
My more elaborate take on why the Dutch election outcome does not represent a defeat of the far right
📢 ECPS Interview
🗳️ 🇳🇱 Professor Sarah de Lange: D66’s Victory in Dutch Elections Cannot Be Presented as a Victory over Populism
✍️ Interview by Selcuk Gultasli
🔗 Read the interview: www.populismstudies.org/professor-de...
🗳️ 🇳🇱 Professor Sarah de Lange: D66’s Victory in Dutch Elections Cannot Be Presented as a Victory over Populism
✍️ Interview by Selcuk Gultasli
🔗 Read the interview: www.populismstudies.org/professor-de...
November 4, 2025 at 1:28 PM
My more elaborate take on why the Dutch election outcome does not represent a defeat of the far right
One observation re. the Dutch election is the enduring strength of the far right (I am not fully subscribing to the 'shift back to the centre' narrative). I should be on ABC Australia News channel at around 11 CET to talk about this and to show my plants (again). www.youtube.com/live/vOTiJkg...
October 30, 2025 at 9:45 AM
One observation re. the Dutch election is the enduring strength of the far right (I am not fully subscribing to the 'shift back to the centre' narrative). I should be on ABC Australia News channel at around 11 CET to talk about this and to show my plants (again). www.youtube.com/live/vOTiJkg...
Reposted by Stijn van Kessel
🗳️ First exit polls from the Netherlands: Wilders’ PVV appears to shrink from 37 to 25 seats. Make no mistake — the far right remains strong. Support hasn’t disappeared; it’s shifted across parties. The Dutch political landscape is more fragmented than ever — and the far right is no exception. 🇳🇱
October 29, 2025 at 9:43 PM
🗳️ First exit polls from the Netherlands: Wilders’ PVV appears to shrink from 37 to 25 seats. Make no mistake — the far right remains strong. Support hasn’t disappeared; it’s shifted across parties. The Dutch political landscape is more fragmented than ever — and the far right is no exception. 🇳🇱
Reposted by Stijn van Kessel
Election day also means a quick round up of my comments in the international media that have been published today. Pick your favorite language 🙂
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Tight race in Dutch election as anti-Islam populist Wilders' hope of power declines - BBC News
Wilders was the clear winner last time Dutch voters went to the polls in November 2023, but this time the race is far tighter.
www.bbc.com
October 29, 2025 at 7:06 AM
Election day also means a quick round up of my comments in the international media that have been published today. Pick your favorite language 🙂
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Stijn van Kessel
This is the final 'poll of polls' before the Dutch elections. Three parties at the same level, and two more not much smaller. Given the high percentage of late deciders and voters in doubt, the outcome is still very much uncertain. 🧵
The Peilingwijzer poll of polls for the Netherlands has been updated to include the latest polls of Verian/EenVandaag and Ipsos I&O.
📊 📈 All graphs & figures: https://peilingwijzer.tomlouwerse.nl/
📊 📈 All graphs & figures: https://peilingwijzer.tomlouwerse.nl/
October 28, 2025 at 6:41 PM
This is the final 'poll of polls' before the Dutch elections. Three parties at the same level, and two more not much smaller. Given the high percentage of late deciders and voters in doubt, the outcome is still very much uncertain. 🧵
Reposted by Stijn van Kessel
Here is the Guardian piece, which worked off slightly different polls.
Geert Wilders failed in government, but the far right retains its grip on the Netherlands | Cas Mudde
A media in thrall to Wilders’ party ensures its agenda is entrenched in Dutch politics and will dominate Wednesday’s election, says political scientist Cas Mudde
www.theguardian.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Here is the Guardian piece, which worked off slightly different polls.
Reposted by Stijn van Kessel
You think your elections are nail biters? In the last poll of the polls, the @peilingwijzer.bsky.social produced by @tomlouwerse.nl, before election day in the Netherlands tomorrow, three parties are tied for first place
peilingwijzer.tomlouwerse.nl
peilingwijzer.tomlouwerse.nl
Laatste Peilingwijzer – Peilingwijzer
De Peilingwijzer combineert de Tweede Kamerpeilingen van Ipsos I&O & Verian/EenVandaag
peilingwijzer.tomlouwerse.nl
October 28, 2025 at 5:01 PM
You think your elections are nail biters? In the last poll of the polls, the @peilingwijzer.bsky.social produced by @tomlouwerse.nl, before election day in the Netherlands tomorrow, three parties are tied for first place
peilingwijzer.tomlouwerse.nl
peilingwijzer.tomlouwerse.nl
Reposted by Stijn van Kessel
📣 Very timely: our @epsrjournal.bsky.social article on how populist radical right parties in the Netherlands have evolved organisationally is now officially published - with volume and page numbers and all! Check it out here if you’re interested:
doi.org/10.1017/S175... 🍿
doi.org/10.1017/S175... 🍿
Fortuyn versus Wilders versus Baudet: the evolution of populist radical right party organization in the Netherlands | European Political Science Review | Cambridge Core
Fortuyn versus Wilders versus Baudet: the evolution of populist radical right party organization in the Netherlands - Volume 17 Issue 4
doi.org
October 27, 2025 at 2:34 PM
📣 Very timely: our @epsrjournal.bsky.social article on how populist radical right parties in the Netherlands have evolved organisationally is now officially published - with volume and page numbers and all! Check it out here if you’re interested:
doi.org/10.1017/S175... 🍿
doi.org/10.1017/S175... 🍿
Reposted by Stijn van Kessel
🎧 In Haagse Zaken schuift vandaag een gigant aan: Herman Tjeenk Willink.
Waarom je de democratische rechtsstaat moet koesteren, en over wat er deze verkiezingen echt op het spel staat:
spotify.link/OfIAlJ7nKXb
Waarom je de democratische rechtsstaat moet koesteren, en over wat er deze verkiezingen echt op het spel staat:
spotify.link/OfIAlJ7nKXb
October 25, 2025 at 7:04 AM
🎧 In Haagse Zaken schuift vandaag een gigant aan: Herman Tjeenk Willink.
Waarom je de democratische rechtsstaat moet koesteren, en over wat er deze verkiezingen echt op het spel staat:
spotify.link/OfIAlJ7nKXb
Waarom je de democratische rechtsstaat moet koesteren, en over wat er deze verkiezingen echt op het spel staat:
spotify.link/OfIAlJ7nKXb
Reposted by Stijn van Kessel
Een goed gesprek over democratie met Jean Dohmen van @fd.nl. Het gesprek vond voor het rapport van de Nederlandse Orde van Advocaten plaats, maar inmiddels is de kop actueler dan ooit
fd.nl/politiek/157...
fd.nl/politiek/157...
Sarah de Lange: ‘Zorgelijk is dat het rechtsstatelijk besef er bij de VVD niet altijd meer is’
Sarah de Lange kijkt met professionele spanning naar de verkiezingen. De hoogleraar politicologie te Leiden geldt als autoriteit op gebied van rechts-radicalisme. Ze maakt zich zorgen over de democrat...
fd.nl
October 22, 2025 at 7:20 AM
Een goed gesprek over democratie met Jean Dohmen van @fd.nl. Het gesprek vond voor het rapport van de Nederlandse Orde van Advocaten plaats, maar inmiddels is de kop actueler dan ooit
fd.nl/politiek/157...
fd.nl/politiek/157...
We will present our book 'Populist Radical Right Parties in Action: The Survival of the Mass Party' (Oxford UP) at Queen Mary University of London on Thursday, November 20th, 5-6:30pm GMT. Corina Lacatus will discuss, and there will be a reception. Register via 👉 tinyurl.com/382xbuy5
October 24, 2025 at 1:19 PM
We will present our book 'Populist Radical Right Parties in Action: The Survival of the Mass Party' (Oxford UP) at Queen Mary University of London on Thursday, November 20th, 5-6:30pm GMT. Corina Lacatus will discuss, and there will be a reception. Register via 👉 tinyurl.com/382xbuy5
Reposted by Stijn van Kessel
Het SBS6-debat had zes vragen geselecteerd die burgers zelf mochten stellen. Vier daarvan gingen direct of indirect over migratie.
Slechts twee vragen gingen over iets anders: de rol van private investeerders de woningmarkt, de andere over het eigen risico in relatie tot stijgende zorgkosten.
Slechts twee vragen gingen over iets anders: de rol van private investeerders de woningmarkt, de andere over het eigen risico in relatie tot stijgende zorgkosten.
October 24, 2025 at 8:14 AM
Het SBS6-debat had zes vragen geselecteerd die burgers zelf mochten stellen. Vier daarvan gingen direct of indirect over migratie.
Slechts twee vragen gingen over iets anders: de rol van private investeerders de woningmarkt, de andere over het eigen risico in relatie tot stijgende zorgkosten.
Slechts twee vragen gingen over iets anders: de rol van private investeerders de woningmarkt, de andere over het eigen risico in relatie tot stijgende zorgkosten.
Reposted by Stijn van Kessel
🗳️ Dutch voters will elect a new parliament for the third time in just five years on October 29. Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming elections. 🇳🇱 My colleague Esmee and I wrote a short primer for @theconversation.com.
doi.org/10.64628/AB....
doi.org/10.64628/AB....
The Netherlands is trying to draw a line under a year of chaos with fresh elections – will it work?
Prime Minister Dick Schoof called fresh elections following the first collapse of his government, which would go on to fall a second time within a few months.
doi.org
October 21, 2025 at 8:09 PM
🗳️ Dutch voters will elect a new parliament for the third time in just five years on October 29. Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming elections. 🇳🇱 My colleague Esmee and I wrote a short primer for @theconversation.com.
doi.org/10.64628/AB....
doi.org/10.64628/AB....
Reposted by Stijn van Kessel
🗳️🇳🇱 New Op-ed: The enduring relevance of the Far Right ahead of the #DutchElection
By Prof. @stijntvankessel.bsky.social
Ahead of the 29 Oct vote, far-right narratives continue to shape Dutch politics.
🔗 Read: fpc.org.uk/op-ed-the-en...
By Prof. @stijntvankessel.bsky.social
Ahead of the 29 Oct vote, far-right narratives continue to shape Dutch politics.
🔗 Read: fpc.org.uk/op-ed-the-en...
October 22, 2025 at 10:37 AM
🗳️🇳🇱 New Op-ed: The enduring relevance of the Far Right ahead of the #DutchElection
By Prof. @stijntvankessel.bsky.social
Ahead of the 29 Oct vote, far-right narratives continue to shape Dutch politics.
🔗 Read: fpc.org.uk/op-ed-the-en...
By Prof. @stijntvankessel.bsky.social
Ahead of the 29 Oct vote, far-right narratives continue to shape Dutch politics.
🔗 Read: fpc.org.uk/op-ed-the-en...