Glossary
Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ)
A right-wing to far-right political party in Austria, known for its Eurosceptic and anti-immigration policies.
Example:
The Austrian Freedom Party has historically appealed to voters concerned about national sovereignty and immigration levels, often forming part of coalition governments.
Authoritarian Communist Regimes
Governments, particularly in Eastern Europe during the Cold War, that exercised strict control over their populations and economies under a communist ideology.
Example:
The Soviet Union and its satellite states like East Germany were prime examples of authoritarian communist regimes that many citizens sought to escape.
Cultural and Religious Diversity
The presence of a wide range of different cultures and religions within a society, often resulting from immigration.
Example:
The arrival of South Asian immigrants in Britain after WWII significantly increased the nation's cultural and religious diversity, introducing new traditions and faiths.
Decolonization
The process by which European colonial empires dismantled, leading to the independence of former colonies.
Example:
The independence of Algeria from French rule in 1962 is a prime example of decolonization that led to significant migration to France.
Economic Boom & Labor Shortages (Post-WWII)
The period after World War II characterized by rapid economic growth and a high demand for workers in Western and Central Europe.
Example:
Germany's 'economic miracle' (Wirtschaftswunder) in the 1950s created a massive need for guest workers due to the economic boom & labor shortages.
Euroscepticism
Opposition to the process of European integration, often expressed as a desire for a country to withdraw from the European Union or to reduce its powers.
Example:
The Brexit movement in the UK was a strong manifestation of Euroscepticism, leading to the country's departure from the European Union.
Family Reunification
A process where initial migrants bring over their family members to join them in the host country, leading to increased immigration numbers.
Example:
After a Turkish worker settled in Germany, his family applied for family reunification to join him, contributing to long-term immigration patterns.
French National Front (FN)
A far-right political party in France, founded in 1972, known for its conservative, nationalist, and anti-immigration stances.
Example:
Marine Le Pen, a prominent figure in the French National Front, has consistently campaigned on a platform of reducing immigration and prioritizing French citizens.
Iron Curtain
A metaphorical barrier that separated the Soviet bloc and its satellite states from Western Europe from the end of WWII until the end of the Cold War.
Example:
The Berlin Wall was a physical manifestation of the Iron Curtain, preventing free movement and symbolizing the division of Europe.
Market-Oriented Economies (Shift to)
An economic system where resource allocation and production are primarily determined by supply and demand in markets, often involving reduced government intervention.
Example:
The privatization of state-owned industries in Britain under Margaret Thatcher was a significant move towards a more market-oriented economy.
Nationalist Parties (Anti-Immigrant)
Political parties that prioritize the interests of their own nation and often advocate for strict immigration controls and reduced asylum seeking.
Example:
The rise of nationalist parties across Europe in the late 20th century was often linked to their strong anti-immigrant platforms.
Post-War Recovery Disparities
The uneven economic recovery among European nations after WWII, leading people from less prosperous areas to seek opportunities in more developed countries.
Example:
Southern Italy experienced slower post-war recovery disparities compared to the industrial North, prompting many to migrate for work in countries like Germany.
Refugees (Cold War Era)
Individuals who fled their home countries, particularly from authoritarian communist regimes in Eastern Europe, seeking safety and freedom in the West.
Example:
Many East Germans became refugees by crossing into West Berlin before the construction of the Berlin Wall, seeking political asylum.
Scapegoating
The act of blaming an individual or group for problems that are not their fault, often used to deflect attention from underlying issues.
Example:
During economic downturns, immigrants are sometimes subjected to scapegoating and unfairly blamed for unemployment or social ills.
Secularization
The decline in the influence of religion and religious institutions in public life and society.
Example:
The increasing number of people identifying as non-religious in Western Europe is a sign of ongoing secularization, a trend influenced by various societal changes.
Xenophobia
An intense or irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries.
Example:
The rise of anti-immigrant rhetoric in some European countries is often fueled by xenophobia, leading to social tensions and discrimination.