Migrants and Natives – ‘Them’ and ‘Us’: Mainstream and Radical Right Political Rhetoric in Europe

Drawing on a comparative study of political rhetoric in three countries – Austria, Denmark and Sweden – alongside examples from the UK and Germany, this acutely topical book explores anti-immigration rhetoric and discrimination that''s being used to redefine the language of migration in Europe. It highlights the the strong rise of radical and populist right-wing parties and critiques the language they use, with perspectives and methods from both political science and critical discourse analysis.

In light of the recent global resurgence of radical and populist right-wing parties, this book examines hostile and anti-immigration rhetoric in Europe. Topical and timely, it deftly guides the reader through the trajectories of radical right parties and contextualises discriminatory rhetoric in wider immigration and integration politics.

Grounded in a focussed, comparative critical discourse study that draws on methods from social science and linguistics, the book:

• Presents a study of political rhetoric on migration in several European countries over the past thirty-five years, drawing out similarities and differences.
• Explores anti-immigration rhetoric before and after the 2015 refugee/solidarity crisis.
• Illuminates the role of so-called ‘mainstream’ parties in developing and legitimising discriminatory rhetoric.

Exposing the insidious nature of malevolent political rhetoric and its consequences, this book is a timely and essential read.