Document Type
Honors Project
Publication Date
6-2-2016
Abstract
The rise of parochialist (radical, nationalist-populist) political parties has become a pan-European phenomenon in recent years. As opposed to conventional, mainly economic, explanations for their electoral successes, I show that their trademark anti-immigrant and anti-EU platforms express a larger concern for cultural preservation which appeals to voters. I argue that this concern (unlike many of their illiberal policies) is justified because a healthy, common, national culture is both inherently and instrumentally valuable. I also provide guidelines for policy reforms that would allow incumbent European administrations and mainstream parties to accommodate the justified need for a strong national culture, and, in doing so, to curb the rise of parochialism.
Level of Honors
magna cum laude
Department
Government
Advisor
Steven Wulf
Recommended Citation
Mouradian, Vahaken, "The Case for National Culture" (2016). Lawrence University Honors Projects. 95.
https://lux.lawrence.edu/luhp/95