A Nordic Anomaly: Examining the Establishment of an Anti-Immigrant Party in Sweden

This thesis examines the establishment of an anti-immigrant party (AIP) in Sweden. Until recently, Sweden was known as the Nordic anomaly with no AIP in spite of high levels of immigration and high rates of right-wing violence. This has now changed, and the AIP, Sweden Democrats, are rising to popularity in high speed. I examine the causes given for the anomaly up until 2006 and show that a change in these has since created a favorable environment for an AIP to become successful. First, socio-economic cleavages have become less salient through decreasing party loyalty and increasing numbers of party switchers. Second, the immigration issue has become more politicized. I account for other complementary explanations for a Swedish AIP formation and conclude that Sweden is no longer an anomaly in the landscape of European AIPs