The Migration Crisis and Its Influence on Political Discourse and Parties in EU Member States

Mayu Otsuka

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

Since 2015, when the influx of migrants to Europe considerably increased, the migration issue has been a prominent concern for both the EU and member state governments. As a result, there has been a shift in political discourse on migration, which has contributed to the emergence of RRPs and the transformation of party politics in the EU member states. Through current literature and research, the primary goal of this bachelor thesis is to critically assess and contextualize the impact of the migrant crisis and the issue of growing RRPs. Furthermore, it identifies unknown areas of the matter that necessitate further research in order to enlighten the subject.

Abstract:

Since 2015, when the influx of migrants to Europe considerably increased, the migration issue has been a prominent concern for both the EU and member state governments. As a result, there has been a shift in political discourse on migration, which has contributed to the emergence of RRPs and the transformation of party politics in the EU member states. Through current literature and research, the primary goal of this bachelor thesis is to critically assess and contextualize the impact of the migrant crisis and the issue of growing RRPs. Furthermore, it identifies unknown areas of the matter that necessitate further research in order to enlighten the subject.

Keywords

migration crisis, identity, radical right party, mainstream party, political discourse, party competition

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 20. 12. 2021

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 10. 1. 2022
• Supervisor: doc. Vratislav Havlík, Ph.D.
• Reader: prof. PhDr. Vít Hloušek, Ph.D.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Social Studies

Bachelor programme / field:
International Relations and European Politics / International Relations and European Politics