Publication Date
2006
Document Type
Thesis
Committee Members
Liam Anderson (Advisor)
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Abstract
In the decades following WWII, countries across the globe witnessed the rise of anti-system parties. Political scientists have attributed their success to economic conditions, electoral systems, party systems and the electorate’s disaffection with mainstream parties. The analysis also suggests the influence of global factors. While the causes for success have been examined, effective policy choices for democracies have not been equally explored. This study makes the argument that by including anti-system parties in government, states are able to lessen the threat they pose to democracy. The analysis of India’s Bharatiya Janata Party and Austria’s Freedom party suggest that anti-system parties loose their allure when they come to power. Also, democracies by adopting the contrary policy of exclusion, in fact create conditions that foster support for anti-system parties. Lastly, this study suggests that the international community in response to anti-system parties in power should adopt a policy of cautious engagement.
Page Count
134
Department or Program
Department of Political Science
Year Degree Awarded
2006
Copyright
Copyright 2006, all rights reserved. This open access ETD is published by Wright State University and OhioLINK.
