The ascendance of austerity policies and the wave of protests they have generated have had a deep impact on the shape of contemporary politics. The stunning electoral successes of Syriza in Greece, Podemos in Spain and the Movimento 5 Stelle (M5S) in Italy, alongside the quest for a more radical left in countries such as the UK and the US, bear witness to a new wave of parties that draw inspiration and strength from social movements.

While dissatisfaction with traditional institutional politics continues apace, the rise of movement parties challenges simplistic expectations of a...

The ascendance of austerity policies and the wave of protests they have generated have had a deep impact on the shape of contemporary politics. The stunning electoral successes of Syriza in Greece, Podemos in Spain and the Movimento 5 Stelle (M5S) in Italy, alongside the quest for a more radical left in countries such as the UK and the US, bear witness to a new wave of parties that draw inspiration and strength from social movements.

While dissatisfaction with traditional institutional politics continues apace, the rise of movement parties challenges simplistic expectations of a...