The Evolution of Populism in Dutch Politics

This chapter traces the rise and evolution of populism and populism research in the Netherlands by taking stock of key developments in the field. In a nutshell, the authors argue that while populism does not have deep, historical roots in the Netherlands, it is now deeply rooted in the Dutch political landscape. Specifically, they show that the trajectory of populism in the Netherlands has followed a unique path, characterized by its late rise and subsequent firm integration into the partisan arena. The chapter first discusses the concept of populism and outlines how the phenomenon has manifested itself in the Dutch political landscape. It then traces the evolution of Dutch populism over time. Drawing on different strands of research, it provides an overview of the burgeoning existing literature on the topic. The final section discusses avenues for future research in an increasingly saturated field by paying particular attention to the breakthrough of the Farmer–Citizen Movement.