Rising ethnic diversity in the West may fuel a (temporary) populist right backlash

When people’s neighbourhoods or wider social contexts change in visible ways, as with increasing ethnic diversity, it can be disconcerting for established residents, and trigger perceptions of ‘threats’ that evoke ‘backlash’ political responses. Alternatively the diffusion of ethnic groups may increase knowledge and tolerance. Drawing on a metaanalysis of studies on the topic, Eric Kaufmann and Matthew Goodwin argue that ethnic diversity transitions may contribute to a populist right backlash. However, such effects may be temporary.