German Business Mobilization Against Right-Wing Populism
Politics & Society, 2020
24 Pages Posted: 7 Oct 2020 Last revised: 28 Nov 2020
Date Written: August 3, 2020
Abstract
Why do some business associations mobilize, engage in collective action, and take public stands against the populist right while others do not? This article examines business mobilization against the populist right in Germany, which is heavily export-oriented and reliant on the European and global market order. Drawing on interviews with three business associations, the article presents three key findings. First, economic self-interest is a powerful driver of business mobilization: perceived threats and vulnerability spurred two German associations to act collectively against right-wing populism. However, mobilization is driven not by declining revenues or profits but by a mixture of values and material interests. Second, business associations that mobilize stress the need to reform the system, democratize the European Union, and address those who feel “left behind.” Third, medium-size, export-oriented manufacturers are the core business constituency supporting liberal democracy and the European Union. The article shows that some business factions can play a role in defending the liberal international order against right-wing populism.
Keywords: business, Germany, interests, mobilization, liberal democracy, populism
JEL Classification: D72, F02, F13, F52, F60, P16, L38
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