Introduction

Abstract

Abstract The introductory chapter presents the puzzle of why radical right parties have had such a diverse impact on national models of capitalism and welfare in Europe and the USA. It then provides the argument in brief by focusing on the interplay of ideological and political-economic factors in shaping diverse policy choices. The next sections describe how the radical right’s policies create a set of economic ‘winners’ and ‘losers’. By pointing to the radical right’s agenda of selective status protection in favour of previously dominant social groups—i.e. threatened labour market insiders and male breadwinners—this section also discusses the role of socio-economic policies in manufacturing consent for democratic backsliding and authoritarian rule. The chapter then situates the book’s main contributions in the literatures of comparative politics, party politics, welfare state research, and comparative political economy. A final section provides an outline of the chapters guiding the reader through the book.