Hans-Georg Betz

Hans-Georg Betz is a leading expert on populism and the radical right in affluent liberal democracies, and has written several seminal books and articles on radical right-wing populism, nativism, and Islamophobia. His academic profile can be found here.

How COVID-19 deflated the Austrian populist radical right

COVID-19 has fundamentally altered the logic of Austrian politics as refugees and the question of Islam in Austrian society have become largely irrelevant.

By Hans-Georg Betz

/ 16 Jun 2020

How COVID-19 deflated the Austrian populist radical right

Spain’s radical right party might need some recovery from the coronavirus

Neither widespread popular disaffection with the government nor equally widespread disenchantment with the European Union have helped Vox advance in the polls.

By Hans-Georg Betz

/ 19 May 2020

Spain’s radical right party might need some recovery from the coronavirus

In Germany, the radical right is hit hard by the virus

The likelihood that Germany’s AfD is going to profit from the COVID-19 crisis are more than slim.

By Hans-Georg Betz

/ 1 May 2020

In Germany, the radical right is hit hard by the virus

After COVID-19: will Matteo Salvini lead Europe’s radical right?

Salvini’s showcasing of religious devotion and rhetoric about the pandemic are part of a political strategy aimed at taking over the reigns of power.

By Hans-Georg Betz

/ 20 Apr 2020

After COVID-19: will Matteo Salvini lead Europe’s radical right?

Will France's Marine Le Pen be a profiteer or victim of the pandemic?

Is it reasonable to expect that the radical populist right is going to make somewhat of a comeback after the CoVid-19 crisis has passed?

By Hans-Georg Betz

/ 15 Apr 2020

Will France's Marine Le Pen be a profiteer or victim of the pandemic?

Saviours of the nation? – on the breakthrough of the radical populist right in Spain

Attacking the symptom (i.e., the populist radical right) is not going to do the trick – not in Spain, not in the rest of (western) Europe.

By Hans-Georg Betz

/ 7 May 2019

Saviours of the nation? – on the breakthrough of the radical populist right in Spain

The Return of la Marine

Today, the divide from which Marine Le Pen profits has reached alarming proportions, most recently with the eruption of the revolt of the gilets jaunes.

By Hans-Georg Betz

/ 5 Apr 2019

What's wrong with Australia?

The Christchurch massacre and the Australian state of mind. A cocktail that has been years in the making.

By Hans-Georg Betz

/ 25 Mar 2019

On the hollowness of the contemporary radical populist right and what to do about it

For decades, radical right-wing populism has been accompanied by a narrative warning of the fundamental threat these parties pose to liberal democracy. The effect has been close to zero.

By Hans-Georg Betz

/ 23 Jan 2019

On the hollowness of the contemporary radical populist right and what to do about it

For decades, radical right-wing populism has been accompanied by a narrative warning of the fundamental threat these parties pose to liberal democracy. The effect has been close to zero.

By Hans-Georg Betz

/ 23 Jan 2019

Matteo Salvini – Italy’s salvation?

Is it entirely unreasonable to expect that Italy's populists in power, though unavoidable, will end up like many governments before them – mugged by harsh reality?

By Hans-Georg Betz

/ 4 Nov 2018

Matteo Salvini – Italy’s salvation?

Is it entirely unreasonable to expect that Italy's populists in power, though unavoidable, will end up like many governments before them – mugged by harsh reality?

By Hans-Georg Betz

/ 4 Nov 2018