The decline of social democracy across Europe

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to delve into the failures of the left, and analyse the reasoning behind this current decline. This study sets its sights on the causes of the shift in electoral support from the Social Democratic parties to other parties, which predominantly, are populist in nature and strongly differ from the traditional mainstream parties. Consequently, the research conducted focused in particular on the United Kingdom, and how the Labour Party which represents the leftist side of the political spectrum, has changed throughout the years. An in-depth analysis has been performed to assess the impact of the New Labour movement on leftist polity around Europe. In addition, interviews were carried out. This research component serves the purpose of taking into account the respected opinions of local high-level politicians. The answers given have been used in the chapters as a medium for further discussion. These, along with the research partaken, have led to conclusions. The final chapter shall answer the purpose of the dissertation, which is that of finding concrete reasons behind the decline of social democracy. The study ends with a discussion on the foreseeable future of the left parties in Europe, and the contrasts still present within the parties of the left regarding the ideological approach they shall embrace in order to regain popularity.