Right-wing populism and climate change-related policymaking : A Quantitative Content Analysis of Discursive Influence on Global Governance

Abstract: This thesis explores the link between right-wing populist discourse and climate change-related policymaking in the European Union. Accordingly, it first reviews and examines previously conducted literature and theories regarding this research focus. This examination highlights the importance of the discursive themes of anti-elitism, people-centrism, anti-cosmopolitanism, and ‘othering’. Further, it stresses the significance of discursive practices of legitimation, as well as international anti-elitist norm building. Based on these findings, this paper chooses its methodological framework, a Quantitative Content Analysis relying on social constructivist thought for drawing inferences. To examine its leading research question, the study then analyzes amendments made to climate change-related policy drafts in the European Parliament’s Committee for the Environment, Public Health, and Food Safety. The study’s results show a clear link between right-wing populist discourse and influence on policymaking. Specifically, the use of these discursive elements decreases amendments’ success (and therefore legislative influence) drastically. Discussing and theoretically reflecting on these findings, this thesis argues that this presents a clear disconnection between the rise of right-wing populism in Europe, and right-wing populists’ impact on climate change-related policies in the organization. Considering climate change a critical threat to humanity, this thesis’ findings are highly salient to International Relations.