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Conceptualisation
Neo-feudalism and neo-traditionalism
The main objective of this research area is to define two key concepts of Poprebel, neo-feudalism and neo-traditionalism, offer a preliminary catalogue of the causes, functions, and meanings of the phenomena denoted by these concepts in Central and Eastern Europe, and develop a theoretical framework within which other cases (European and non-European alike) can be also interpreted. The key sources of populist rebellion against modernity, or at least one of its versions, in 21st century in Central and Eastern Europe are best grasped from two perspectives – economic and the socio-cultural. In 1990s, the transition period with its inherent difficulties posed by the change from a centrally planned economy to free market capitalism, have caused fear and insecurity among some members of Central and Eastern European region, and a longing for a more stable and reliable social and economic environment. The influx of new ideas, values and lifestyles was an opportunity, but at the same time a challenge and a burden for the society as a whole. The anxiety of this period of change brings fruit today in the process that we understand as “delayed transformational fatigue”, providing a fertile ground for populist parties often constructing their ideologies out a repertoire of nationalistic, conservative and exclusionary (in terms of race, religion, gender or ethnicity) motifs.