Svetoslav Malinov

The rationale for this project is grounded in the recognition that the most significant transnational political development concerning democratic states in the 21st century is the rise of populism. The study pursues three principal objectives. First, to provide a comprehensive conceptualization and in-depth analysis of a distinct variant of populism, herein defined as “conservative populism.” Second, to elucidate the features that render this phenomenon detrimental to the legitimacy of the European Union (EU), while offering a critical examination of its ideational core. Third, to develop better theoretical justification and more compelling normative defence of EU’s legitimacy. The destabilizing effects of conservative populism are especially pronounced in the former communist countries of East Central Europe (ECE) that acceded to the EU after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The successful realization of this project’s objectives would facilitate the identification of a substantive threat to the consolidation of these recent democracies. The enduring salience of conservative populism across EU states underscores the relevance of this inquiry. Its trajectory - whether characterized by continued expansion or effective containment - will depend on the extent to which theoretical insights, such as those advanced in this study, are translated into practical and policy-oriented responses.