This book questions whether and to what extent a conjunctural phenomenon such as an economic
crisis can bring about lasting political consequences. It focuses on the parties and party
systems of four South European countries (Portugal Spain Italy and Greece) between 2008-15.
The authors also consider how elections protests and interests are affected by the crisis in
these four democracies before assessing how to define the impact of the economic crisis on
political participation and competition. In this vein the book analyzes relevant aspects of
party systems the notion of neo-populism as a key to understanding new actors of South
European policy and interest intermediation as a factor of weakness in managing the crisis.
Finally the authors summarize the empirical results emerging from the research: the partial
reshaping of cleavages as well as the relevance of the establishment vs. anti-establishment
cleavage for the emergence and success of neo-populist parties. The book will be of use to
students and scholars interested in South European politics comparative politics and
democracies.
