Policy Diversification without Ideological Attenuation: The Programmatic Changes of Western European Far-Right Parties (1990–2025)

Abstract

This research examines the programmatic transformations of the far right in Western Europe through two hypothesized mechanisms: the diversification of their agendas, including increased competition on socioeconomic issues, and ideological attenuation, reducing the importance given to their authoritarian and nativist positions. Using data from the Manifesto Project Database (1990–2025), the findings reveal that far-right parties have strengthened their authoritarian and nativist profile in recent decades, particularly during crises related to security and migration. Nevertheless, these parties also have diversified their agendas and placed greater emphasis on socioeconomic issues. As for factors explaining the differences within the far right, participation in national governments is associated with ideological attenuation and thematic diversification, although this effect is not lasting and is limited to contexts in which far-right parties participate as minority partners in governing coalitions.