“Not everyone in every country has the same problem, but they all talk about the same thing. Many people talk about identity issues or other concerns, but they talk about immigrants. They worry that they do not share the same culture. This was a big deal for France.”

In the interview, Berezin reflected on the success of conservatives, right-wing populists, and far-right candidates in early June European Parliament elections and weighed in on French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to call for snap elections to shore up his support.

She correctly questioned the wisdom of Macron's move. “I don’t want to downplay the uncertainty of the problem, but it’s hard to see a good outcome,” she said. “Macron has not been very good at understanding and connecting with the emotions of the French people.”

After this interview, France held legislative elections to elect all 577 members of the 17th National Assembly. No party reached a majority. With his centrist party now in third place, Macron has so far refused to appoint a prime minister.

Berezin also looked ahead to the U.S. election. She downplayed the value of comparing young voters in the U.S. and Europe. “What is happening in the United States today is exceptional, and I feel terrified,” she said, stressing the impact of local communities and unique contexts of right-wing thinking.

Nevertheless, the left and right share ownership of certain vital issues, she observed—which can lead to some surprising convergences. “Economic problems reflect the conditions of many people in all these countries,” Berezin said. “The dissolution of traditional parties opens space, especially for right-wing people in left-wing parties.”

Mabel Berezin is director of Einaudi's Institute for European Studies and interim chair of the Department of Sociology in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is a frequent commentator on fascism and right-wing populist politics.

Read the interview

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