Lessons Learned

Abstract

Abstract This chapter embeds the main findings of the book into recent debates about the implications of rising anti-establishment politics and the declining emphasis put on the traditional ideological dimensions for European politics. Centrist anti-establishment parties (CAPs) embody all of these phenomena, with their focus on protest rather than on ideology. Their rise has opened up space for more radical ideologies as some CAPs have radicalized over time. In other cases, it has created a divide centered around corruption or it has simply replaced other mainstream parties. Yet, regardless of the path CAPs take, they are more likely to persist if embedded in existing ideological divides. We can therefore conclude that ideology matters even in the most volatile contexts. Finally, the conclusion draws parallels with more recent developments in Western Europe, where similar parties, such as the Italian Five Star Movement, have also entered politics.