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After the Left–Right (Dis)continuum: Globalization and the Remaking of Europe’s Ideological Geography

Azmanova, Albena (2011) After the Left–Right (Dis)continuum: Globalization and the Remaking of Europe’s Ideological Geography. International Political Sociology, 5 . pp. 384-407. ISSN 1749-5687. (doi:10.1111/j.1749-5687.2011.00141.x) (KAR id:28676)

Abstract

This article examines the status of globalization as a causal factor in political mobilization and proposes a research agenda for diagnosing the impact of global socio-economic dynamics on ideological orientation in national polities. Focusing on Europe’s established democracies, the article outlines recent shifts in Europe’s ideological landscape and explores the mechanisms generating a new pattern of political conflict and electoral competition. It advances the hypothesis that the knowledge economy of open borders has brought about a political cleavage inti- mately linked to citizens’ perceptions of the social impact of global eco- nomic integration. In this context, the polarization of life chances is determined by institutionally mediated exposure to both the economic opportunities and the hazards of globalization. Fostered by the increas- ing relevance of the international for state-bound publics, new fault-lines of social conflict are emerging, giving shape to a new, ‘‘opportunity- risk,’’ axis of political competition. As the novel political cleavage challenges the conventional left–right divide, it is likely to radically alter Europe’s ideological geography.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1111/j.1749-5687.2011.00141.x
Subjects: H Social Sciences
J Political Science
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Politics and International Relations
Depositing User: Albena Azmanova
Date Deposited: 08 Feb 2012 21:55 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:07 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/28676 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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