Bates College Journal of Political Studies
Abstract
Europe today is characterized by an abundance of new, right-wing populist parties which have established themselves as signifi cant and formidable players in European parliaments. A fl ashpoint of this rise has been in the former Eastern Bloc, where right-wing populist parties can both push conservative social policies and use rhetoric surrounding the ongoing war in Ukraine to command attention. This approach can be seen in the Smer-Social Democracy party, which has risen to be a mainstay in Slovakia. Like many other former Eastern Bloc states, Slovakia underwent a substantial post-communist transition process that had lasting impacts on the nation, particularly on its voter base. To understand the success of Smer, it is key to understand the process that Slovakia went through as it transitioned from Czechoslovakia to its present-day state. The impacts of these processes better help to explain the recent assassination attempt on the Smer frontman, Robert Fico. It is also important to understand how the legacy of Slovakia’s democratization has influenced Smer and Fico’s pro-Putin stance internationally. Through examination of Slovakia’s post-communist transition, it is clear that this transition created an environment where a populist party like Smer could thrive. This type of extreme political discourse fosters an environment where political violence, like the attempt on Smer frontman and Slovak prime minister Robert Fico, can take place. Foreign policy is a major concern of these modern right-wing populist parties, and Smer specifically aligns itself with Vladimir Putin’s Russia, which has major implications on the global stage. (Updated July 2026)
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Erratum
July 2026: At the request of the author, this article was revised in order to make changes that would deliver a work that retains the original structure, analysis, and political perspective, but brings in more academic works to provide a stronger political science-oriented context. In addition, irrelevant background information that did not provide necessary context was removed. The formatting and citations were adjusted to fit Chicago Style standards.
Recommended Citation
Giller, Augustus
(2025)
"SMER, Anti-Western Populism, and Political Violence in Post-Communist Slovakia,"
Bates College Journal of Political Studies: Vol. 1:
Iss.
1, Article 3.
Available at:
https://scarab.bates.edu/bjps/vol1/iss1/3