A decade after the Brexit referendum, the Pew Research Center argues that the vote to leave the European Union was not merely a British political event but a turning point in global politics. Brexit exposed deep public dissatisfaction with political elites, economic uncertainty, globalization, and cultural change. These concerns have since fueled the rise of right-wing populist movements across Europe and beyond, reshaping political debates on immigration, national identity, sovereignty, and democracy itself.
By Newswriters News Desk
The Brexit referendum of June 2016 is widely regarded as one of the most consequential political events of the 21st century. The Pew Research Center’s report, Right-Wing Populism in the Decade Since Brexit, examines how the forces that drove the “Leave” campaign have evolved and influenced political developments across Europe and other parts of the world.
The report’s central argument is that Brexit was both a symptom and a catalyst of broader populist trends. The Leave campaign successfully tapped into widespread frustrations about immigration, economic insecurity, loss of national sovereignty, and distrust of political elites. Its slogan, “Take Back Control,” became a powerful expression of sentiments that extended far beyond Britain.
One of the report’s key findings is that right-wing populism has moved from the political margins to the mainstream. Parties and leaders once viewed as outsiders now play major roles in shaping national politics. In countries such as France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, populist movements have become significant electoral forces and have influenced the policy agendas of mainstream parties, particularly on issues related to immigration and national identity.
The report identifies three major drivers behind the rise of right-wing populism.
The first is anti-elite sentiment. Across many democracies, citizens increasingly believe that political leaders are disconnected from ordinary people’s concerns. Populist leaders exploit this perception by presenting themselves as the authentic voice of “the people” against an out-of-touch political establishment.
The second driver is economic insecurity. Many people feel that globalization and technological change have benefited a small elite while leaving large sections of society economically vulnerable. Surveys cited in the report show that substantial majorities in several European countries believe future generations will be financially worse off than their parents. Such pessimism creates fertile ground for political movements that challenge existing economic and political arrangements.
Ten years after Brexit, the grievances that fueled the Leave vote—economic insecurity, distrust of elites, and concerns over national identity—continue to shape politics across Europe, helping transform right-wing populism from a protest movement into a mainstream political force.
The third driver is cultural anxiety. Rapid social changes related to immigration, multiculturalism, gender roles, and national identity have generated concerns among some sections of society. Right-wing populist parties often frame themselves as defenders of traditional values and national culture in the face of perceived threats from globalization and social change.
The report also highlights the growing role of educational divisions in contemporary politics. Individuals with lower levels of formal education are generally more likely to support right-wing populist parties. This reflects a broader transformation in political alignments, where education increasingly shapes voting behavior, sometimes more strongly than traditional class distinctions.
An important aspect of the report concerns the relationship between populism and democracy. Contrary to some assumptions, supporters of right-wing populist movements generally express support for democratic government. However, they are often more willing to endorse strong leaders who can bypass institutional constraints such as courts, legislatures, and regulatory bodies. This raises important questions about the balance between majority rule and the liberal democratic principles of checks and balances.
Although the report focuses primarily on Europe, it places Brexit within a wider global context. Similar populist themes can be observed in the political success of leaders such as Donald Trump in the United States, Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil, Javier Milei in Argentina, and other leaders who have used anti-establishment rhetoric, nationalist appeals, and promises of strong leadership.
From a journalism and communication perspective, the report offers valuable insights into the power of political narratives. Brexit demonstrated that emotionally resonant messages often have greater political impact than complex policy arguments. Themes such as sovereignty, national pride, immigration, and distrust of elites proved more effective in mobilizing public opinion than technical discussions about trade agreements or economic regulations.
The report’s broader significance lies in its conclusion that the conditions that produced Brexit have not disappeared. While public attitudes toward Brexit itself may have evolved, the underlying concerns about economic security, cultural identity, political representation, and trust in institutions remain influential. As a result, right-wing populism appears less like a temporary political reaction and more like a durable feature of contemporary democratic politics.
Conclusion
Pew’s report suggests that Brexit marked the beginning of a new political era rather than a passing moment of protest. The rise of right-wing populism reflects deep structural changes in democratic societies, driven by economic uncertainty, cultural tensions, and declining trust in political institutions. Understanding these forces is essential for scholars of politics, journalism, and communication seeking to explain the changing nature of democracy in the twenty-first century.
