Populism & Democracy in Contemporary Italy: North League to 5 Stars Movement
Over twenty years of political transformation, Italian populism reflects the full European panorama, moving from a local-xenophobic movement (Lega Nord) to one-man party (Berlusconi), and even to an anti-politics grass-root movement (5 Stars Movement). Professor Esu will analyze the issues, mobilization, leadership, and popular discourse characterizing these movements in order to highlight some of the key questions related to what appears to be fertile ground in Europe for popular mobilization. A reception with light refreshments will follow.