---
title: "Populism is not a coherent transatlantic trend"
description: "As 2017 begins, populist politics are on the rise on both sides of the Atlantic."
date: "2017-01-05"
authors:
  - name: "Bruce Stokes"
    job_title: "Former Director, Global Economic Attitudes"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/bruce-stokes/"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2017/01/05/populism-is-not-a-coherent-transatlantic-trend/"
categories:
  - "Populism"
---

# Populism is not a coherent transatlantic trend

*Special to [EUobserver](https://euobserver.com/opinion/136454)*

As 2017 begins, populist politics are on the rise on both sides of the Atlantic.

In June 2016, the British voted to leave the European Union, a vote linked to anti-immigrant, “take back control from Brussels” sentiment. In November, Donald Trump was elected president of the United States with [the support of less-educated, rural, working class voters ](https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2016/11/09/behind-trumps-victory-divisions-by-race-gender-education/), many of whom felt alienated from the Washington establishment.

In the months ahead, right-wing parties that have tapped into unease over globalisation and immigration are poised to contest national elections in the Netherlands, France and Germany.

*Read more at [EUobserver](https://euobserver.com/opinion/136454)*