The Weaponization of Nationalism: Radical Right-Wing Parties and the Normalization of Anti-EU Sentiments in Contemporary Europe

Fiscal Hafizh Rafif, Drs. Muhadi Sugiono, M.A.

2025 | Skripsi | Ilmu Hubungan Internasional

This thesis examines the normalization of anti-EU sentiment in European politics, concentrating on radical right-wing parties in Hungary and Italy. It seeks to clarify how these parties validate Eurosceptic discourse by using nationalist themes. The research argues that the European political landscape is being substantially reshaped by the rise of RRPs, which poses a threat to the integrity of the European Union and domestic political stability. This thesis examines case studies of Hungary's Fidesz and Italy's Fratelli d'Italia, illustrating the relationship between populism and Euroscepticism as right-wing parties employ nationalist narratives to enhance their attractiveness and diminish mainstream political dialogue. This thesis aims to examine the complex relationship between populist nationalism and the broader European setting amid a significant political transformation in Europe, characterized by the rise of RRPs. 

This thesis examines the normalization of anti-EU sentiment in European politics, concentrating on radical right-wing parties in Hungary and Italy. It seeks to clarify how these parties validate Eurosceptic discourse by using nationalist themes. The research argues that the European political landscape is being substantially reshaped by the rise of RRPs, which poses a threat to the integrity of the European Union and domestic political stability. This thesis examines case studies of Hungary's Fidesz and Italy's Fratelli d'Italia, illustrating the relationship between populism and Euroscepticism as right-wing parties employ nationalist narratives to enhance their attractiveness and diminish mainstream political dialogue. This thesis aims to examine the complex relationship between populist nationalism and the broader European setting amid a significant political transformation in Europe, characterized by the rise of RRPs. 

Kata Kunci : Populism, Euroscepticism, Radical Right-wing Parties.