Immigration and Right Wing Populism: The Vicious Circle of Xenophobia

Right-wing populism is gaining unprecedented momentum across Europe and globally. This rise has been closely linked to the increasing salience of immigration and multiculturalism, which has triggered complex political responses. Recent research in political science and economics shows that the skill composition of immigration flows plays a pivotal role in shaping attitudes towards immigration, which translate into more votes for the populists. In turn, populist parties and leaders can affect the size and skill composition of immigration. This policy brief diagnoses the dynamic relationship between right-wing populism and the skill structure of immigration, which it characterizes as a vicious circle. It then prescribes some policy recommendations aimed at mitigating the negative consequences of this perverse relationship.