Helen V. Milner is a Visiting Scholar with UCSB Political Science through Feb 1, 2026. She is on leave from her positions as B. C. Forbes Professor of Politics and International Affairs at Princeton University and director of the Niehaus Center for Globalization and Governance at Princeton's School of Public and International Affairs.
Abstract: What are the political consequences of economic globalization? Since the 1990s, scholars of European party politics have noted the rise of extremist parties, especially right-wing populist ones and the decline of mainstream left and right parties. What is the association between globalization in terms of trade, capital and labor flows, technological change, and popular support for extreme right parties? I examine these relations at the regional level in 15 advanced industrial democracies in Western Europe from 1990-2024. Theory suggests changing economic structures lead to shifts in mass and elite preferences. Two key sources of such changes, international trade and technological innovation, are associated with growing vote shares for extreme right parties. The use of social welfare compensation seems unable to dampen these political trends.
When: Thursday, Dec 11th
Where: Ellison Hall, Lane Room (3824)
Time: 12:30-2:00pm