Shaping the Future? Exploring the Dynamics of New Parties in European Democracies

European party systems have undergone substantial transformations in the twenty-first century, marked by the emergence of new political parties and the decline of traditional mainstream forces. While existing research has primarily focused on the factors influencing the success of these new parties, such as their innovative programmatic positions and strategic use of populist discourse, there remains a significant gap in understanding their broader impact on representative democracies. Key questions persist regarding whether the presence of new parties threatens or revitalizes the concept of party government and whether these actors enhance or diminish the quality of democratic systems. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of new parties to reshape legislative bodies by introducing novel recruitment patterns and engaging underrepresented groups, such as youth and minorities. They may also re-engage disillusioned voters and foster stronger connections between civil society and elected representatives. However, the implications of new parties in the governmental sphere remain ambiguous, with uncertainties about their impact on policy shifts, political narratives, and coalition dynamics. Despite these insights, the relationship between new parties and direct democracy, as well as their systematic effects on electoral volatility and political stability, requires further investigation.

This research topic aims to explore the dynamics of new parties in European democracies, focusing on their impact on representative democratic systems. The primary objectives include examining whether new parties pose a threat or offer revitalization to party government, assessing their influence on the quality of democratic systems, and understanding their role in shaping political agendas and policy shifts. Specific questions to be addressed include the effects of new parties on legislative representativeness, voter engagement, and the relationship between new parties and direct democracy. Additionally, the research will investigate the implications of new parties on coalition dynamics, political stability, and international positioning.

To gather further insights into the dynamics of new parties in European democracies, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• The impact of new parties on legislative representativeness and recruitment patterns.
• The role of new parties in engaging disillusioned or apathetic voters.
• The influence of new parties on political agendas and policy shifts.
• The relationship between new parties and direct democracy initiatives.
• The effects of new parties on coalition dynamics and political stability.
• Comparative analyses of new party dynamics across different political contexts.
• Theoretical reconceptualizations of the role of new parties in representative democracies.

Keywords: new parties, party systems, European democracies, governments, parliaments

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.