The political economy of right-wing populism in Germany and the UK

Mainstream centre-right parties have traditionally been the main political vehicles for business interests in both Germany and the UK. However, the recent rise of right-wing populism in the two countries – AfD and Reform UK respectively – has complicated the picture. How does business react to these developments? Are there certain fractions of the capitalist class driving the rise of these parties? How does this vary across the two countries, given the differences between them in terms of competing growth models, party systems, and other macro-level factors? And how do they compare to other similar parties with known ties to business elites?
This one-day workshop will explore the sociological profile, economic programme, and societal linkages of contemporary right-wing populist parties, with a specific attention to their relationship with business elites. Bringing together a team of international specialists from Oxford, Berlin, and other universities, it will present case studies from Germany, the UK, and other countries as well as comparative and cross-country analyses. The discussion will serve as the foundation for an edited volume planned for 2028.