Defining the Far Right in South-East Europe: A Comparative Study of Three Countries. Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania

Abstract. This study explores the Far Right in Greece, Romania, and Bulgaria through a comparative framework, analyzing its ideological foundations, mobilization strategies, and electoral trajectories. Utilizing a combination of Most Different Systems Design (MDSD), Most Similar Systems Design (MSSD), Comparative Area Studies (CAS), and historical institutionalism, the research examines how historical legacies, political institutions, and socio-economic conditions shape far-right movements and parties in Southeastern Europe. The study distinguishes radical and extreme right actors, highlighting their adaptability to different political landscapes. Key drivers of far-right success, including nationalist revivalism, economic discontent, and distrust in democratic governance – are assessed alongside variations in ideological narratives and electoral strategies. By contextualizing these national cases within broader European trends, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of far-right politics in post-communist and crisis-prone environments.

Keywords: Far-right politics, Populist radical right vs. extreme right, Nationalism and nativism, Authoritarianism and illiberalism, Comparative political analysis, post-communist transition, Historical institutionalism, Electoral volatility, Party system fragmentation, Southeastern Europe, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Crisis-driven radicalization, European political systems, Democratic backsliding