Center for European Studies

Anderson 216

Christopher J. Williams
University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Recent research has shown that mainstream political parties shift their positions on European integration in response to threats from niche parties. Whether or not this strategy affects the electoral fortunes of mainstream parties remains unclear, however. Dr. Williams and Dr. Maurits J. Meijers examine how mainstream political party accommodation of niche party positions on the issue of European integration affects mainstream party electoral success. They show that position shifts towards Euroscepticism are detrimental to center-right mainstream party success when faced with a radical right party that has seen more electoral success.

With generous support from the Jean Monnet Chair.

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